Atlanta Braves fans can finally rejoice as the team made an impact move on Thursday afternoon. The team has stated all offseason that they'd like to make an addition at the corner outfield spot. Early on the hope was to add a left-handed outfielder with power. However, those options dwindled as trades and signings were made.
It felt like the Braves may never make the impact move they hoped for. Fortunately, that changed as they were able to land switch-hitting All-Star outfielder Jurickson Profar. Profar agreed to terms on a three-year, $42 million contract. He will make $12 million in 2025 and $15 million for the 2026-2027 seasons.
#MLBTonight reacts to Jurickson Profar's contract with the Atlanta Braves. pic.twitter.com/luzfzS5dXX
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 23, 2025
Profar, who will be 32 in February, turned in the best season of his career with the Padres last season. He batted .280/.380/.459 last season with 158 hits, including 29 doubles, 24 homers, 85 RBI, and a 139 wRC+. That wRC+ is the highest of his career.
His defensive range isn't incredible as he earned a -8 DRS and a -6 OAA, but he makes up for it with an 87.2 arm strength rating which is above average for MLB outfielders. According to Fangraphs, despite the lackluster defense, Profar was still worth a 4.3 WAR last season.
The Curaçao native has been inconsistent offensively through his 11-year MLB career but a swing change before last season helped Profar improve. Atlanta clearly thinks this is something he can sustain or they wouldn't have made the deal. They'd be right as he significantly improved his average exit velocity from 86.5 mph in 2023 to 91.1 mph in 2024.
Profar is a great addition to the clubhouse and he is very good at getting on base as he walks a lot and doesn't strike out often. The Braves will love having a player like this in their lineup. He makes them much better and once Ronald Acuña Jr. returns, the lineup becomes one of the best in baseball.
What do the Braves like so much about Jurickson Profar?
— CJ (@CJNitkowski) January 24, 2025
Alex Anthopoulos told reporters they believe in the results and swing changes for 2024, lower half/leg kick/opened up stance that led to career bests in exit velocity and home runs. pic.twitter.com/HieapD6zo8
What would the Braves' lineup look like if the season began today?
Projected Braves Opening Day lineup:
1. Michael Harris II
2. Jurickson Profar
3. Austin Riley
4. Matt Olson
5. Marcell Ozuna
6. Ozzie Albies
7. Jarred Kelenic/Bryan De La Cruz
8. Sean Murphy
9. Orlando Arcia
This is a very good and pretty deep lineup that will plenty good enough to win games. Once Acuña Jr. returns, Brian Snitker will need to move some pieces around to be sure. However, the result is almost certain to be a solid core with almost zero holes. Arcia and Murphy are the only two question marks, but we all know their potential if they can bounce back in 2025.
Braves projected lineup once Acuña Jr. returns:
1. Ronald Acuña Jr.
2. Jurickson Profar
3. Austin Riley
4. Matt Olson
5. Marcell Ozuna
6. Ozzie Albies
7. Michael Harris II
8. Sean Murphy
9. Orlando Arcia
Profar's addition was the right move for the Braves to make. He's a perfect fit and gives them exactly what they need. Hitting coach Tim Hyers will do his best to ensure that Profar carries his 2024 success into 2025.