ADHD Drug Exemptions Hit Record Low in MLB, Only 54 Players Approved

UPDATE: In a startling development, just 54 major league players have received permission to use medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), marking a record low. This figure, revealed in the annual report by Thomas M. Martin, the independent administrator of MLB’s drug program, reflects a dramatic drop from 61 players last year and 119 players in 2013.

This urgent report, released on Monday, highlights a significant change in the landscape of drug exemptions within professional baseball. The most commonly used ADHD medications, including Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse, have seen a sharp decline in player approvals.

In total, 11,700 drug tests were conducted in the year ending with the 2025 World Series, just shy of the record 11,783 tests from the previous year. This year’s testing included 9,400 urine samples and 2,300 blood samples aimed at detecting Human Growth Hormone. Alarmingly, only two tests returned positive results, leading to disciplinary actions against players on 40-man rosters.

Among those disciplined was Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves, who received an 80-game suspension on March 31 for testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin, a hormone associated with testosterone production. Profar has stated he did not knowingly take the banned substance. Similarly, José Alvarado, closer for the Philadelphia Phillies, faced an 80-game ban on May 18 due to a positive test linked to a weight loss drug he used during the offseason, according to Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski.

In addition to the 54 Therapeutic Use Exemptions for ADHD, the report also noted one exemption each for hypertension, sleep disorder, and hormone function.

These developments resonate deeply within the baseball community, drawing attention to the increasing scrutiny and regulation surrounding player health and medication use. With the MLB’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game, the decline in ADHD medication exemptions could signal a stricter approach to drug use in professional sports.

What lies ahead for these players? As the league continues to enforce its drug policies, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these changes affect player performance and health management in the coming seasons.

With the MLB’s annual report shedding light on these critical issues, this is a developing story that promises to impact not only the players involved but also the future of medication use in sports. Stay tuned for updates as further details emerge.