The Atlanta Braves are making moves to strengthen their lineup, and their latest addition is none other than veteran outfielder Jurickson Profar, who has signed a three-year, $42 million deal, the team announced Thursday.
After a career-best season with the San Diego Padres, the Braves are betting big that Profar’s breakout performance in 2024 is here to stay.
This signing bolsters Atlanta’s outfield depth and provides much-needed insurance amid uncertainty surrounding Ronald Acuña Jr.’s recovery from a torn ACL.
With the Braves eyeing another deep postseason run, let’s take a closer look at what Profar brings to the table and how he fits into the team’s plans moving forward.
Profar’s Career Year with the Padres
Coming off his best season yet, Profar slashed .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs, 29 doubles, and 10 stolen bases over 158 games.
The key stat? His OPS+ jumped from a career 92 to an impressive 134 in 2024, signaling real progress at the plate. Feel free to read more below from the Braves press release for more details.
Why the Braves Made This Move
There are two major reasons why Atlanta pulled the trigger on Profar:
- Left Field Competition
- With Bryan De La Cruz and Jarred Kelenic in the mix, Profar provides a veteran presence and a consistent bat. He brings lineup versatility that the Braves were lacking as a switch hitter.
- Acuña Jr.’s Injury Concerns
- With Ronald Acuña Jr. recovering from a torn ACL, the front office cautiously approaching his return according to The Athletic. Profar offers insurance in the outfield, allowing Atlanta to ease Acuña back into action without rushing him.
Profar’s Role in the Braves’ Outfield
With Profar now in the fold, the Braves can consider several lineup combinations, possibly platooning Kelenic and De La Cruz in right field while keeping Profar as the everyday left fielder. Before this signing, the team’s left depth was limited to Eli White, which made Profar a clear upgrade.
Since their 2021 World Series win, Atlanta posted back-to-back 100-win seasons before 2024 but hasn’t won a playoff series. The addition of Profar could help bolster their October chances by adding another proven bat to the mix.
What This Means for the Padres
Losing Profar leaves a significant gap in San Diego’s lineup. He played a big role in their outfield, it looks like the Padres may be taking the platoon strategy next season.
Tirso Ornelas, Tyler Wade, and Brandon Lockridge could share left-field duties. They are an unproven trio compared to Profar’s production.
Final Thoughts On Profar Signing
The Braves are making a strategic bet that Profar’s breakout in 2024 was no fluke. They are rolling the dice that the trend will continue, and that he figured something out for the seasons ahead.
If he continues to perform at a high level, Atlanta’s lineup just got much deeper.
