Breakout Star Jurickson Profar Signs With the Atlanta Braves
On Thursday evening, MLB insider Robert Murray first reported that All-Star outfielder Jurickson Profar had signed with the Atlanta Braves on a back loaded three-year deal worth $42 million. The signing marks a significant milestone for Profar, who just one year ago inked a modest $1 million deal with the San Diego Padres that included a spring training invite for a chance at the big-league roster.
Profar was once regarded as one of MLB’s most promising prospects. In 2013, MLB Pipeline ranked him as the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball. However, like many highly touted prospects, Profar struggled to live up to expectations throughout his career. Over his first 10 MLB seasons, he accumulated just 4.8 rWAR and was often relegated to a platoon role. He never regained the momentum he had as a prospect. By 2023, it seemed Profar was destined to be labelled a “bust,” but 2024 changed everything for him.
In 2024, Profar finally had his breakout season. The veteran found his stride in his 11th MLB season at age 31. The outfielder silenced critics who doubted his potential due to his age and prior inconsistency. Profar slashed a stellar .280 batting average, hit 25 home runs, and drove in 85 runs, all of which far exceeded his career averages. His standout performance on the Padres earned him his first career All-Star selection last summer and a Silver Slugger Award by season’s end, capping off a remarkable turnaround in his career.
Profar attributes his newfound success to adjustments at the plate. He introduced a leg kick to his swing and opened his stance. This strategy is becoming a trend throughout MLB, with similar success stories emerging every year. Most prominently, Boston Red Sox All-Star Jarren Duran added a leg kick to his stride at the dish and saw immediate improvements the next year in his game. For Profar, his adjustments resulted in his average exit velocity jumping by nearly 4 MPH. This increase in power was a key factor in his resurgence, and it was something Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos took notice of. “Profar had all the ingredients,” Anthopoulos stated. “Tapping into the power was the one piece that was going to elevate his bat.”
With Profar, the Braves have shored up what was arguably their weakest position. The outfield was left vulnerable after superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered an ACL tear in May, which is expected to sideline him for the start of the 2025 season. Without Acuña, the Braves would have relied on a mix of Jared Kelenic, Michael Harris Jr., and Eli White—a group that likely would lack offensive consistency. Profar’s addition provides stability in left field, while Bryan De La Cruz, another off-season acquisition for the Braves, is expected to platoon in right field until Acuña returns.
Atlanta is banking on Profar’s breakout campaign to carry over into 2025 as they aim to defend their NL East crown. Profar’s three-year deal not only strengthens the outfield but also sends a clear message: the Braves are committed to contending now and continuing their dominance. For Profar, the contract represents a full-circle moment and a well-earned reward for a career rejuvenation.
