The Braves, addressing a key offseason need, secured the switch-hitting outfielder to help fill the void left by Ronald Acuña Jr.'s expected early-season absence due to a torn ACL. Profar will receive $12 million in 2025 and $15 million in each of the subsequent two seasons. The deal marks a new chapter for Profar, whose standout 2024 season solidified his reputation as one of baseball's most disciplined and dynamic hitters.
Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos expressed high confidence in Profar's abilities, stating, "Based on last year, we had Jurickson as the second-best free-agent bat. We believe who he was last year is who he is going forward."
Profar's exceptional plate discipline and adaptability make him a strong candidate for the leadoff spot while Acuña recovers. His presence also brings stability to Atlanta's outfield, with plans to deploy him as an everyday left fielder.
Profar's exceptional plate discipline and adaptability make him a strong candidate for the leadoff spot while Acuña recovers. His presence also brings stability to Atlanta's outfield, with plans to deploy him as an everyday left fielder.
Anthopoulos praised Profar’s well-rounded game, saying, "You love the fact that there’s contact and on-base [skills] and he switch-hits. It’s really a perfect complement and fit to our team."
Profar’s rise in 2024 was nothing short of remarkable. After returning to San Diego for a second stint, he emerged as a key contributor in the Padres' stacked lineup, slashing .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. His performance earned him National League All-Star honors and placed him alongside Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado as one of the team's most reliable offensive threats.
Profar’s departure leaves a void in San Diego, where fans and teammates alike admired his infectious energy and leadership. Known for his upbeat demeanor and clutch performances, Profar often served as the emotional core of a Padres team that sometimes struggled to find consistency.
As Profar joins Atlanta, he follows in the footsteps of his childhood hero, fellow Curaçao native Andruw Jones, who starred for the Braves during his illustrious career. For San Diego, his exit marks the end of an era, but his contributions to the team’s culture and success in 2024 will not soon be forgotten.
Profar's journey from once being MLB’s top prospect to a late-career breakout star underscores the resilience and determination that have defined his path. Now, he takes his talents to Atlanta, poised to make an impact in a new uniform while Padres fans reflect on his unforgettable tenure in San Diego.
Profar’s rise in 2024 was nothing short of remarkable. After returning to San Diego for a second stint, he emerged as a key contributor in the Padres' stacked lineup, slashing .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. His performance earned him National League All-Star honors and placed him alongside Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado as one of the team's most reliable offensive threats.
Profar’s departure leaves a void in San Diego, where fans and teammates alike admired his infectious energy and leadership. Known for his upbeat demeanor and clutch performances, Profar often served as the emotional core of a Padres team that sometimes struggled to find consistency.
As Profar joins Atlanta, he follows in the footsteps of his childhood hero, fellow Curaçao native Andruw Jones, who starred for the Braves during his illustrious career. For San Diego, his exit marks the end of an era, but his contributions to the team’s culture and success in 2024 will not soon be forgotten.
Profar's journey from once being MLB’s top prospect to a late-career breakout star underscores the resilience and determination that have defined his path. Now, he takes his talents to Atlanta, poised to make an impact in a new uniform while Padres fans reflect on his unforgettable tenure in San Diego.
