The Atlanta Braves front office made a bold move, and they’re feeling pretty good about it.
Shortly after the Atlanta Braves officially announced their signing of outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal, President of Baseball Operations and GM Alex Anthopoulos took to the mic to share his thoughts—and let’s just say, he’s excited.
Braves Confident in Profar’s Performance
Anthopoulos isn’t calling Profar an elite free agent, but he’s making it clear that the Braves believe in what they’re getting.
He even went so far as to say Profar was the second-best bat on the market this offseason, right behind—you guessed it—Juan Soto.
That’s some high praise, and it shows just how confident the Braves are in Profar’s recent evolution at the plate.
Anthopoulos pointed to Profar’s impressive swing changes from 2023 to 2024, highlighting a noticeable boost in exit velocity and overall offensive output.
He even compared Profar’s transformation to that of guys like Justin Turner, José Bautista, and Josh Donaldson—players who tapped into new levels of power after making similar adjustments.
Addressing the Braves’ Outfield Depth Issues
Of course, offense wasn’t the only factor in this signing. The Braves have been battling outfield depth issues for the past few seasons.
With Ronald Acuña Jr. set to miss the start of the year, adding another solid piece became a top priority.
Anthopoulos admitted the team has been “short” on outfielders since 2021, and with injuries piling up, it was time to reinforce the roster.
Enter Profar—a switch-hitting, durable outfielder who logged 158 games last season. That’s a big deal for a team that’s struggled to keep their outfield intact.
Kelenic’s Role and Spring Training Competition
But what about the other guys? Well, according to AA, nothing’s being handed to anyone.
Jarred Kelenic, for instance, will have to earn his spot in spring training. Anthopoulos made it clear that competition is key.
With Michael Harris II locked in at center and Profar set to take over in left, the battle for right field will be one to watch.
Kelenic’s versatility and strong arm make him a solid option, but he’s not the only player in the mix.
“Having too many good players would be a wonderful problem to have,” Anthopoulos quipped—a problem the Braves hope to create.
Profar’s Impact on the Braves Lineup
The Braves are banking on Profar as an ideal addition to an already powerful lineup.
Anthopoulos highlighted the importance of lineup depth, pointing out how players like Orlando Arcia—who the team once envisioned hitting at the bottom of the order—ended up providing surprising offensive contributions.
With Profar in the mix, the Braves are hoping to lengthen their lineup and weather the inevitable ups and downs of a long season.
Durability as a Key Factor
Durability, of course, played a big role in the decision-making process. Anthopoulos emphasized Profar’s ability to stay on the field, playing nearly every game last year while also taking part in winter ball and the postseason.
That reliability is invaluable for a team that’s seen its fair share of injuries. “We look at the ‘Games Played’ column,” AA noted, making it clear that availability was just as crucial as the ability to bring Profar on board.
Braves Are Taking a Calculated Risk
While Profar had a standout season in 2024, he hasn’t always been the most consistent player.
Anthopoulos acknowledged the risk, stating that while the Braves believe in the changes Profar has made, there’s always the chance that last year was an outlier.
The Braves are willing to take that risk, betting on the upside and banking on Profar’s newfound power sticking around.
More Moves Could Be Coming
So, what’s next? According to Anthopoulos, the Braves aren’t done yet. They’re still watching potential moves, but they won’t force anything.
If the right deal comes along, they’ll jump on it—but for now, they feel good about where they stand heading into spring training.
In the end, it all comes down to one thing: belief. The Braves believe Profar can keep delivering, they’ve strengthened their outfield, and they’re in a good spot to compete for another deep playoff run.
If Profar’s 2024 performance was a sign of things to come, Atlanta may have just found the missing piece they’ve been looking for.
Looking Ahead to Opening Day
As things stand, the Braves plan to have Profar in left field and Michael Harris II in center, with right field still up for grabs.
Anthopoulos remains optimistic, stating he feels good about the outfield’s potential once Acuña returns.
