The Atlanta Braves have been criticized far and wide by, well, pretty much everyone for not doing much at all. They traded Jorge Soler at the beginning of the offseason to begin a fairly extensive culling of their payroll, but they hadn't done anything with the savings. For many, there was a real concern that all the Braves would accomplish would be getting under the luxury tax threshold.
However, that just never felt like a likely outcome from a front office led by Alex Anthopoulos. AA knows as well as anyone that contention windows are precious and everyone certainly knew that the Braves had some money to spend. The only question was if they would actually do it.
Well, they have, indeed, made a big move as the Braves agreed with Jurickson Profar on a deal Thursday afternoon. Profar had been a popular Braves target this offseason and they actually pulled it off.
BREAKING: Free-agent outfielder Jurickson Profar and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a contract, according to sources familiar with the deal.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 23, 2025
Braves News: Atlanta agrees to terms with Jurickson Profar on three year deal that could save their offseason
The Braves' deal with Profar gives them exactly what they needed: an impact bat that can help them in the short-term while Ronald Acuna Jr. is out for the first six weeks of the season, but also after he returns so that there is less of an onus on getting production out of a left field platoon consisting of Jarred Kelenic and various spare parts.
It took a little while for the contract details to come out, but Profar's deal with the Braves is three years, $42 million with $12 million for 2025 and $15 million a year the next two years. Yes, the Braves Foundation is getting a donation.
#Braves Sign Jurickson Profar: pic.twitter.com/KdN2I1OdyX
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 23, 2025
Just like that, the narrative around the Braves' offseason has changed dramatically. Yes, Profar is not a perfect hitter especially if his OBP regresses back to career norms. However, he is a high energy player coming off a tremendous 2024 season with the Padres and, importantly, he just makes the Braves better.
The only question now is if this is going to be the Braves' only move or if they left some powder dry to swing something else.