Atlanta Braves Secure Jurickson Profar with a Three-Year Deal
The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract, marking their first major free-agent acquisition of the offseason. Profar, 31, is coming off a career-best season with the San Diego Padres in 2024, where he batted .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. His performance earned him his first All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award.
Profar’s signing addresses a key need for the Braves, particularly in light of Ronald Acuña Jr.’s recovery from a torn ACL. Acuña, the 2023 National League MVP, may miss the start of the season, and Profar is expected to fill the void in left field. Once Acuña returns, Profar will likely remain in left, with Michael Harris II in center and a platoon of Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz in right field.
Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos praised Profar’s plate discipline, switch-hitting ability, and energy, calling him the “second-best bat on the market.” Profar’s improved power and batted-ball metrics in 2024, supported by swing adjustments, convinced the Braves that his breakout season was sustainable.
Profar’s career has been marked by ups and downs since debuting with the Texas Rangers in 2012 as a top prospect. After stints with the Oakland A’s and Colorado Rockies, he returned to the Padres in 2023 and re-signed on a modest one-year, $1 million deal for 2024. His standout performance last season has now earned him a significant payday.
The Braves, who won the World Series in 2021 but have struggled in the playoffs since, are banking on Profar to bolster their lineup and outfield depth. Meanwhile, the Padres, who have yet to make a major free-agent signing this offseason, face a void in left field following Profar’s departure. The Braves and Padres will face off in their season opener on March 27 at Petco Park, where Profar will return to San Diego as a visitor.
Jurickson Profar signs with Braves: Veteran outfielder lands with Atlanta on three-year, $42 million contract
Profar dominated at the plate with the Padres in 2024
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www.batterypower.comJurickson Profar signs 3-year, $42M deal with Atlanta Braves
Profar hit 24 home runs and drove in 85 runs with the San Diego Padres last season.
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