Revived Braves Star, Jurickson Profar, Earmarked for 2024 NL All-Star Selection
After witnessing their opponents bolster their rosters, the Atlanta Braves decided it was time for some major moves of their own. They inked switch-hitting powerhouse Jurickson Profar to a three-year deal worth a cool $42 million. Earning just $1 million during the 2024 campaign, Profar's new contract is quite the jump.
Breaking down the numbers, Profar will pocket $12 million in 2025, following by two years of $15 million each. The deal is a huge investment for the talented switch-hitter, and a significant boost for the Braves' outfield.
Profar's performances last season with the National League All-Star San Diego Padres were nothing short of outstanding. He smashed a career-high 24 home runs and achieved career bests in batting average (.280), on-base percentage (.380), and slugging percentage (.459). These impressive stats make Profar an invaluable addition to the Braves' lineup.
The Braves are looking to patch up their outfield, which suffered a multitude of setbacks last season. Michael Harris II is the only certain starter for the upcoming season, with fellow star Ronald Acuña, Jr. set to return from his surgically-repaired left ACL injury later in the campaign.
Outfield acquisitions like Jarred Kelenic, Jorge Soler, and Marcell Ozuna have not produced the results Atlanta expected, causing the team to explore new options. Vanishing faces like Adam Dunn and Ramón Laureano have pursued greener pastures in free agency, leaving a vacancy in the outfield.
Another potential option is rekindling a relationship with valuable left-handed hitter Jason Heyward, whose batting prowess may have waned, but he remains a defensive stalwart. Heyward is signed for free agency and could be an affordable solution for the Braves.
The addition of Profar will significantly bolster the team's outfield, creating an impressive trio with Acuña and Harris II. Fans can expect to see a dynamic lineup filled with potential All-Stars, helping the Braves climb back up the league rankings.
The Braves outfielder overhaul started with Profar's signing, with the team also eyeing Willy Adames and Tanner Scott amidst offseason rumors. The Philadelphia Phillies, who ended Atlanta's streak of six straight NL East titles in 2025, have also been busy in the free-agent market.
The Phillies have bagged talented outfielder Max Kepler and pitchers Jesus Luzardo and Jordan Romano, while the Mets have added left-handed pitchers Sean Manaea and A.J. Minter along with outfielders Jose Siri, Jesse Winker, and Juan Soto.
Studies show that the Braves pay their players less compared to the Phillies and Mets, with an estimated 2025 payroll of $212 million, ranking them eighth among the 30 teams. While the competition looks fierce, the signing of Jurickson Profar gives the Braves hope for an exciting season ahead.
- With the New York Mets strengthening their roster, the Atlanta Braves felt the need to make significant moves, leading to the signing of Jurickson Profar.
- The Atlanta Braves secured the services of Adam Duvall's former teammate, Jurickson Profar, offering him a three-year deal worth $42 million.
- Marcell Ozuna, Jarred Kelenic, and other outfield acquisitions have not lived up to expectations for the Braves, prompting them to explore alternatives like Jurickson Profar.
- The addition of Jurickson Profar will not only bolster the Braves' outfield but also create a potent trio with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II.
- In the National League East, where the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets have made substantial moves, the Atlanta Braves believe that Jurickson Profar's signing will give them a competitive edge in the upcoming season.
