Major League Baseball has reported that a record-low 54 players received therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) to use medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during the 2025 season. This marks a continuing downward trend from 61 exemptions granted in 2024 and a significantly higher total of 119 in 2013.
Therapeutic use exemptions allow players to use medications that are otherwise banned under MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, provided the player has a documented medical need. ADHD medications, such as those containing amphetamines, are among the substances that require such exemptions due to their stimulant properties and potential for performance enhancement.
The drop in exemptions over the past decade follows increased scrutiny and regulatory measures aimed at ensuring consistency and medical legitimacy in the TUE process. MLB and the MLB Players Association have worked with medical professionals to implement more rigorous guidelines for granting these exemptions.
While the league did not release names or specific team affiliations of players receiving exemptions, it confirmed the trend shows a more stringent evaluation process over the years. Officials have cited an emphasis on protecting the integrity of the sport and ensuring a level playing field for all participants.
Medical experts continue to underscore the importance of access to treatment for players diagnosed with legitimate medical conditions. However, league officials also stress the importance of balancing medical needs with fair competition.
The number of ADHD-related exemptions has decreased nearly 55% over the past 12 years, indicating an evolution in both medical documentation standards and how such diagnoses are addressed within professional baseball.
MLB’s annual report on the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program typically includes data on substances tested, number of tests, positive results, and therapeutic use exemptions. The full details of this year’s report have not yet been made public.
As MLB continues to evolve its health and safety protocols, the ongoing oversight of therapeutic use exemptions remains a key component of the league’s broader drug policy.
