Oh Great: The Atlanta Braves have agreed to a 3-year, $42 million deal with Jurickson Profar

After a slow start to the offseason, the Braves made a splash today, signing outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal. With a breakout 2024 campaign under his belt, the 31-year-old former top prospect will now look to build on his career year in Atlanta.

Braves, OF Jurickson Profar agree to deal, per multiple reports including https://t.co/Z3s2EphcSH's @Feinsand. pic.twitter.com/j68N2udOEO

— MLB (@MLB) January 23, 2025

Profar is set to make $12 million in 2025 and $15 million in each of the following two seasons, and he’ll likely slot into left field alongside Michael Harris in center and, eventually, Ronald Acuña Jr. in right, once the 2023 MVP returns from his ACL tear.

Honest Question: Was Jurickson Profar‘s 2024 Breakout The Real Deal or Fool’s Gold?

Let’s be honest: skepticism surrounding Profar’s breakout season is warranted.

His .839 OPS, 24 home runs, and 85 RBIs in 2024 were career highs, and his first All-Star nod seemed like it came out of nowhere. For a player who had spent most of his career as a utility guy with a decent-but-unremarkable bat, his rise in 2024 was one of the MLB’s most unexpected stories.

I guess if you really look into it, Jurickson Profar didn’t just luck into those numbers.

• Career-Best Metrics:
  • Average Exit Velocity: 91.1 mph (first time above 88 mph)
  • Hard-Hit Rate: 44.4%
  • Expected wOBA: .364 (nearly identical to his actual .365)

You can’t stumble into that type of production. Profar’s improvements at the plate suggest a real skills change. He wasn’t just riding good fortune; he was mashing the ball with consistency.

Of course, Profar is in Atlanta

Don’t blame us. We asked for Jurickson Profar to be the guy that the Phillies called first over the winter. That clearly never happened. The Phillies are basically “running it back” with Brandon Marsh and newly-acquired Max Kepler.

San Diego Padres free agent outfielder should be the first player the Phillies’ call this offseason

Now, the Braves are getting a player who seems to have figured things out just as he enters the prime years of his career. And for Profar, joining a lineup that already boasts Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, and (eventually) Acuña Jr. is about as good as it gets.

While that type lineup protection would have worked perfectly in Philly, now Atlanta will benefit from it. Basically, it means pitchers can’t pitch around Profar, giving him ample opportunity to drive in runs and rack up counting stats. Plus, with his versatility—he’s played both infield and outfield during his career—the Braves have options if they need to shuffle the lineup.

The $42 million contract also provides Jurickson Profar some job security. Even if he struggles early, it’s unlikely the Braves will quickly relegate him to a part-time role given their investment.

The key for Profar will be proving that 2024 wasn’t a one-off. If he can maintain the gains he made at the plate, he’ll be a crucial piece for the Braves as they look to dominate the NL East again. For fantasy managers, he’s a high-upside pick at a bargain price.

I considered Jurickson Profar to be a feel-good story and a “late bloomer” in the MLB and wanted him on the Phillies. Now that he’s with Atlanta, I absolutely despise him. While he’s already in his 30’s, Profar is a legitimate breakout star poised for another strong season since Atlanta has set the table for him to succeed.

Great.

Join The Chase