updates | March 25, 2026

Breaking News: David Ortiz Tested Positive for Steroids | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

NEW YORK - AUGUST 6: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox bats against the New York Yankees during an Major League Baseball game August 6, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Ortiz has played for the Red Sox from 2003 - present. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) Focus on Sport/Getty Images

That’s right. ESPN has just confirmed that Red Sox designated hitter was among the more than 100 Major League Baseball players to test positive for steroids in 2003.

While the test was intended to be both voluntary and confidential at the time, several key names have already been leaked from that infamous list, including the name of New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez.

The news that David Ortiz was identified as a steroid user was released alongside information that Manny Ramirez tested positive for steroids in 2003 as well, thereby indicating that Ramirez’s steroid use was long-term and therefore likely had a profound impact on his career while with the Red Sox.

The news that both of the Red Sox’s star players from their championship runs were aided by performance-enhancing drugs may place a black eye on the team’s historic achievements for many fans.