ATLANTA – Jurickson Profar has reached a three-year contract agreement with the Atlanta Braves valued at $42 million, marking a remarkable turnaround for the outfielder who had a modest $1 million contract with the San Diego Padres just a year prior when spring training was already in progress.
Profar rejuvenated his career with the Padres during the previous season, achieving a .280 batting average coupled with 24 home runs. He contributed significantly with 94 runs scored, 85 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos expressed confidence in Profar’s potential, stating, “Tapping into his power was the one piece that was going to elevate his bat. We believe what he did last year is who he is going forward.”
Atlanta is preparing for the possibility that Ronald Acuña Jr., the 2023 NL MVP, may not be available at the start of the season due to the recovery process following a torn left ACL sustained on May 26 and his subsequent surgery on June 6. Anthopoulos indicated that there is no estimated timeline for Acuña’s return but noted, “He’s doing well.”
In addition to Profar, the Braves signed Bryan De La Cruz to a one-year contract on December 16, enhancing their outfield depth, though the offseason had been relatively quiet until now. As a switch-hitter, Profar will complement Atlanta’s lineup alongside outfielders Michael Harris, Jarred Kelenic, De La Cruz, and Eli White. There is hope that Acuña will be able to rejoin the team by May or June.
Anthopoulos mentioned that Profar is slated to take over left field, with Harris playing center. Kelenic and De La Cruz are expected to share right field duties during Acuña’s absence.
Profar, who regained his form at age 31 after signing a one-year deal with San Diego, began his MLB journey with Texas as a highly-rated prospect at just 19 years old. He made significant strides last season, achieving his first All-Star selection in a game held at Texas. The 2023 season saw him reach personal bests in batting average, home runs, RBIs, and total hits, earning him a Silver Slugger Award for his performance.
Despite his successful 2023 campaign, which marked only his third season with a batting average above .250, Profar’s career average stands at .245, having faced challenges during his stint with Colorado, where he finished that season hitting .236 in 415 at-bats before returning to the Padres.
Anthopoulos asserted his belief in Profar for the 2024 season, remarking, “We assessed the free-agent market, the trade market at the beginning of the offseason. We had Jurickson as the second-best free-agent bat,” just behind Juan Soto, who joined the New York Mets.
As per the contract details, Profar will earn $12 million in 2025 and $15 million in each of the following two years. Notably, he has committed to donating 1% of his salary to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
Born in Curaçao, Profar has built an impressive career over 11 seasons with a .245 batting average and 111 home runs to his name. He has played every position except for pitcher and catcher, though he primarily occupied the left field position in the past season. To accommodate Profar’s signing, infielder Connor Gillespie has been designated for assignment to create space on the roster.
