ATLANTA — It was the splash Braves Country had been anxiously waiting for. On Thursday, the team announced the signing of free agent OF Jurickson Profar.
Atlanta inked the former Padres’ star to a 3-yr, $42 mil deal. Profar is set to make $12 million this upcoming season and $15 million in 2026 and 2027.
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Profar had been one of the most sought-after free agents on the market. He bounced back from a career-worst season in 2023 with the Colorado Rockies, to have the best season of his career in 2024 when he hit .280 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs, earning his first All-Star selection.
“Clearly we made what we feel is a very strong commitment,” said Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos on a Thursday night Zoom call. “We believe that what he did last year is who he is going forward.”
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Profar, 31, was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers as an infielder. He has transitioned to a full-time outfield role over the last few seasons and was primarily a left fielder with the Padres. Anthopoulos said Profar will likely be the Braves Opening Day starter in left. Jarred Kelenic will likely man right field while Ronald Acuña Jr. recovers from surgery on his knee in 2024. Acuña is expected to be ready sometime during the first few months of the season.
“I’m very confident that I can help the Braves win a lot of games and go to the playoffs and win a World Series again,” Profar said on a Zoom call with reporters on Friday morning.
He says he grew up in Curacao as a Braves fan and was strongly encouraged to sign with Atlanta by his seven-year-old son, Khairy. Atlanta has a history of successful players from the small Caribbean island. Braves 2B Ozzie Albies and former Braves OF Andruw Jones are both from there.
The Braves are scheduled to hold their first full-squad workout of spring training at their North Port, Florida training facility beginning on Feb. 12.
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