The Atlanta Braves have made headlines with a major acquisition in free agency, officially signing veteran slugger Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal. The move marks a significant upgrade to their outfield depth and offensive potential as they prepare for another strong postseason run. Profar, once a highly-touted prospect in the Texas Rangers’ farm system, had a breakout year in 2024 with the San Diego Padres, finally delivering on the promise that once made him the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball.
At 31 years old, Profar is coming off a career-best season. He posted personal highs in home runs (24), RBIs (85), OPS (.839), and WAR (4.3). His performance earned him his first All-Star appearance and a Silver Slugger award, both of which contributed to his surging value in free agency. The Braves, known for their aggressive front office and commitment to sustained competitiveness, saw an opportunity to lock in a player with both veteran leadership and peak performance potential.
The three-year deal reflects both sides’ commitment to a long-term fit. Profar called Atlanta the “perfect fit,” citing the organization’s culture, coaching staff, and championship aspirations as key reasons for his decision. The Braves, meanwhile, valued Profar’s versatility — although he is expected to primarily play left field, his ability to cover multiple positions adds insurance and flexibility to a roster that already boasts significant depth.
Profar will be joining an outfield anchored by center fielder Michael Harris II and right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., though Acuña is recovering from an ACL injury and may miss part of the 2025 season. Profar’s presence helps mitigate that uncertainty. His steady bat and veteran presence should help balance a lineup filled with both youthful talent and established stars like Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies.
The Braves have consistently emphasized developing homegrown talent while selectively spending in free agency and trades to plug gaps or add impact players. Profar fits this model perfectly — he’s not just a stopgap but a legitimate contributor with the ability to shift the lineup’s dynamic. His recent success in San Diego demonstrates he’s more than just a utility player; he’s a confident, disciplined hitter with clutch tendencies.
Atlanta’s front office also appreciates Profar’s intangibles. He’s known for his work ethic, positive clubhouse presence, and ability to mentor younger players — an important factor for a team with championship aspirations and a strong developmental pipeline.
Overall, this signing signals that the Braves are not standing still. Despite injuries and some playoff disappointment in recent years, they remain committed to building a roster capable of sustained success. Jurickson Profar’s addition is both a short-term boost and a long-term investment in a player who finally seems to have found his stride. If he continues his 2024 form, the Braves may have pulled off one of the most impactful — and potentially underrated — free agency moves of the 2025 offseason.
