The Atlanta Braves became the latest Major League Baseball team to add an All-Star via free agency.
On Thursday, Atlanta agreed to a three-year contract with outfielder Jurickson Profar.
The team announced in a press release that the three-year deal was worth $42 million.
#Braves Sign Jurickson Profar: pic.twitter.com/KdN2I1OdyX
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 23, 2025
Profar signed with the Texas Rangers as an international free agent in 2009 and made his major league debut in 2012 at 19. However, the exciting prospect struggled to adjust to the major leagues. He played 91 games across the 2012 and 2013 seasons, slugging seven home runs and hitting .231.
Profar’s career took a turn for the worse after the 2013 season. He injured his shoulder in the offseason, then re-injured it and missed all of the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Profar returned to the Rangers for the 2016 season as a utility fielder. He showed versatility, playing 90 games in 2016 and at least ten games at five positions: first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, and designated hitter.
Due to injuries and a lack of playing time he appeared in just 22 games in 2017. He stayed healthy for the 2018 season and hit 20 home runs in a career-high 146 games. After the season, the Rangers traded Profar to the Oakland Athletics.
Profar spent just one year in Oakland and struggled mightily. He had another 20-homer season but hit just .218 and was one of the worst defensive players in the sport. After the season, Oakland traded Profar to the San Diego Padres.
His first stint with San Diego lasted from 2020 to 22 and was highlighted by a strong 2022 season, during which he recorded 140 hits in 152 games.
After the 2022 season, Profar signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Rockies but was released in August after his offensive and defensive struggles continued. He returned to San Diego for the final month of the season.
The Padres re-signed Profar after the season, and it proved to be one of the best moves they could have made. He set career-highs in games played (158), batting average (.280), home runs (24) and runs batted in (85). Profar was rewarded by being named to the National League All-Star team, a first for his career. He also won a Silver Slugger award.
With the Braves set to get phenom Ronald Acuña Jr back from injury this season, Profar will be a welcome addition to an already potent offense.
