After weeks of rumors and speculation, Jurickson Profar has finally made a decision on his future. Profar has agreed to a three-year, $42 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, the team announced on Thursday. Profar was one of the top outfielders available, but he has finally come off the board and is the latest signing in what has been a busy free-agent market.
#Braves Sign Jurickson Profar: pic.twitter.com/KdN2I1OdyX
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 23, 2025
Jurickson Profar, Braves Agree to Deal
Profar, now 31, began his career as a highly regarded prospect with the Texas Rangers, making his MLB debut in 2012 at just 19 years old. He spent several seasons with the Rangers, but his time there was hindered by injuries and inconsistent playing opportunities. Ahead of the 2019 season, Profar was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he played for one year before signing with the San Diego Padres as a free agent.
Over the next three seasons with the Padres from 2020 to 2022, Profar posted a .244 batting average, hit 26 home runs, drove in 116 runs, and scored 157 runs. In 2023, he joined the Colorado Rockies but struggled to find success. Later that year, he returned to the Padres, re-signing on a one-year deal during the offseason.
2024 Success
The 2024 season marked a turning point in Profar’s career. He recorded career-high numbers with a .280/.380/.459 slash line, 24 home runs, and 85 RBI. That also includes an .839 OPS with a 134 OPS+. His outstanding performance earned him his first All-Star selection as a starting outfielder for the National League. Profar became a key player for the Padres, contributing significantly to their remarkable turnaround season. Although San Diego’s postseason run ended in the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Profar aims to build on his breakout season and continue proving why he was once considered a top prospect. The Braves are hoping he still has some All-Star-caliber years left in him.
Photo Credit: © David Frerker-Imagn Images
