Jurickson Profar agreed to a $42 million, three-year contract with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, just under a year after he signed a $1 million deal with the San Diego Padres right before spring training.
Profar had a great season with the Padres last year, hitting .280 with 24 home runs. He scored 94 runs, drove in 85, and stole 10 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.”
Acuña’s Recovery and Braves’ Outfield Plans
The Braves do not expect Ronald Acuña Jr. to be ready for the start of the season. Acuña tore his left ACL on May 26 and had surgery on June 6. “We don’t have an ETA on him yet,” Anthopoulos said, but added that “He’s doing well.”
The Braves also signed Bryan De La Cruz to a one-year deal on Dec. 16 to add depth to the outfield. Otherwise, the offseason was quiet until Profar’s addition.
Profar Joins Atlanta’s Outfield
Profar, a switch-hitter, will join Michael Harris, Jarred Kelenic, De La Cruz, and Eli White as Atlanta’s main outfielders. Acuña could be ready to return in May or June.
Anthopoulos said Profar would play left field with Harris in center. Kelenic and De La Cruz may share time in right field while they wait for Acuña’s return.
Profar’s Career Breakout
Profar had a big year at 31 after signing a one-year deal with San Diego. He finalized his $1 million contract with San Diego on Feb. 24 and earned an extra $2.5 million based on plate appearances.
Profar made his MLB debut with Texas as a 19-year-old, once seen as one of the top prospects in the game. He earned his first All-Star selection last season and played in the All-Star game at Texas.
Profar set career highs in batting, home runs, RBI, and hits, with 158. He was the starting left fielder for the NL in the All-Star game and won his first Silver Slugger Award.
Profar’s Performance and Braves’ Confidence
Profar’s .280 batting average last season was only his third time above .250. His career average is .245. He was released by Colorado after hitting .236 in 415 at-bats in 2023 before returning to San Diego.
Despite this, Anthopoulos was confident about Profar’s future. “We assessed the free-agent market, the trade market at the beginning of the offseason,” Anthopoulos said, adding, “We had Jurickson as the second-best free-agent bat” behind Juan Soto, who signed with the New York Mets.
Contract Details and Charity Donation
Profar will earn $12 million in 2025 and $15 million in each of the following two years. He will donate 1% of his salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
Profar, originally from Curaçao, has a career .245 batting average over 11 seasons and 111 home runs. He has played every position except pitcher and catcher, but was mainly a left fielder last season.
To make room for Profar, infielder Connor Gillespie was designated for assignment.
