The Atlanta Braves have inked a three-year, $42 million contract with outfielder Jurickson Profar, announced Thursday. This significant acquisition comes less than a year after Profar signed a modest $1 million deal with the San Diego Padres amidst spring training, reported by Fox16.
Profar revitalized his career with the Padres last season, batting .280 with 24 home runs. He also contributed 94 runs scored, 85 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. “Tapping into his power was the one piece that was going to elevate his bat,” said Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos. “We believe what he did last year is who he is going forward.”
Despite the exciting addition of Profar, the Braves face a challenging season as they do not expect their 2023 NL MVP, Ronald Acuña Jr., to be ready for the start of the campaign. Acuña tore his left ACL on May 26 and underwent surgery on June 6. When asked about Acuña’s status, Anthopoulos stated, “We don’t have an ETA on him yet,” before adding, “He’s doing well.”
In addition to Profar, the Braves signed Bryan De La Cruz to a one-year deal on December 16 to bolster their outfield depth, marking one of the few offseason moves for the team. Profar, a versatile switch-hitter, will join Michael Harris, Jarred Kelenic, De La Cruz, and Eli White as Atlanta’s primary outfielders. Acuña is anticipated to return to the lineup around May or June.
Anthopoulos outlined the defensive strategy, explaining that Profar will take over left field alongside Harris in center. Kelenic and De La Cruz are expected to form a platoon in right field as the Braves await Acuña’s return.
Profar’s resurgence at age 31 followed a one-year contract with San Diego, finalized on February 24 for $1 million, plus an additional $2.5 million based on plate appearances. Originally debuting with Texas as a promising 19-year-old prospect, Profar earned his first All-Star selection last season and received his first Silver Slugger Award. He set career highs with a .280 average, 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 158 hits.
Despite Profar’s career batting average of .245 and a recent release from Colorado after hitting .236 in 415 at-bats in 2023, Anthopoulos remains confident in his future performance. “We assessed the free-agent market, the trade market at the beginning of the offseason,” Anthopoulos explained. “We had Jurickson as the second-best free-agent bat” behind Juan Soto of the New York Mets. He added, “That was based on last season and how good he performed.”
Under the new contract, Profar will earn $12 million in 2025 and $15 million annually for the following two years, according to KGET. Additionally, he pledged to donate 1% of his salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
A Curaçao native, Profar has played every position except pitcher and catcher over his 11-season career, primarily serving as a left fielder last season. In related roster moves, infielder Connor Gillespie was designated for assignment to accommodate Profar’s addition.