ADHD Drug Exemptions Plunge to Record Low in MLB – Just 54 Players

UPDATE: Major League Baseball (MLB) has reported a staggering drop in the number of players permitted to use medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with only 54 players receiving exemptions this year. This marks a significant decline from 61 players in 2024 and a striking decrease from 119 players in 2013. The revelation came from the annual report by Thomas M. Martin, the independent program administrator overseeing the MLB’s drug program.

This urgent update raises important questions about the evolving landscape of ADHD treatment within professional sports. The total number of 11,700 drug tests conducted during the year leading up to the 2025 World Series indicates a robust monitoring system, though it fell short of the previous year’s record of 11,783 tests. The tests included 9,400 urine samples and 2,300 blood samples specifically for detecting Human Growth Hormone (HGH).

In a notable turn of events, only two players on 40-man rosters faced disciplinary action as a result of positive tests. Jurickson Profar, an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, was suspended for 80 games on March 31 after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin, a hormone associated with testosterone production. Meanwhile, José Alvarado, the closer for the Philadelphia Phillies, received a similar 80-game ban on May 18 for testing positive for external testosterone. Both players maintain they did not intentionally consume the banned substances.

The sharp decline in ADHD exemptions could have wide-reaching implications for players who rely on these medications to manage their conditions effectively. The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, including Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse, have faced increasing scrutiny and regulation within the league.

In addition to the 54 Therapeutic Use Exemptions for ADHD, the report highlighted one exemption each for hypertension, sleep disorders, and hormone function. This data indicates a shift in the regulatory environment surrounding player health and medication use in MLB.

As the league navigates these changes, fans and players alike will be watching closely for further developments. The implications of this significant reduction in exemptions could reverberate throughout the league, influencing player performance and mental health management strategies.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story and its impact on Major League Baseball.