Braves analyst hails strategic value of Jurickson Profar's $42,000,000 acquisition

Jurickson Profar signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Atlanta Braves last week. The outfielder had his breakout season in his eleventh year in the MLB in 2024. He suited up for the San Diego Padres, hitting .280 with 85 RBIs, including 24 home runs, and also stole 10 bases.

The "Hammer Territory" podcast panelists discussed the Braves' latest acquisition on Friday. Analyst Shawn Coleman believes Profar's addition means a lot more than the value of his numbers. The 31-year-old's versatility will help the team to use him in place of Ronald Acuna Jr. or Ozzie Albies depending on injuries and returns, while he could also be a like-for-like replacement in the DH position.

"You've also obviously got the fact that you've got another consistent outfielder until Ronald gets back, and then Profar will play left field," Coleman said (17:54). "Ozzie Albies has had a bit of injury history over the past three or so years. Profar could probably project to play a little bit of second base if Albies were to go down, and though the defense probably isn't that great.

"The other thing is that the three years, $15 million, there is no small coincidence that that's right in line with what Marcel Ozuna is making this year. If Ozuna has another outstanding year, perhaps prices himself out of Atlanta, then you've got Profar, who could slot right in and be another DH type who could be in there as well. So I think that's something that stands out."

Jurickson Profar remembers watching Atlanta Braves games as a kid

As a child growing up in Curacao, Jurickson Profar watched Braves games that were telecast on the TV. In his first interaction after signing with the club, the outfielder shared his fond memories of watching the team play.

“There were a lot of games where I went to sleep because I had to go to school early, and the Braves would be losing,” Profar said. “Then in the morning, my dad and mom would tell me they won. I was like, ‘How did they win? They were losing.’”

Jurickson Profar would hope his addition helps the Braves, who lack firepower in their otherwise stellar offense stacked from top to bottom. They barely made the playoffs last year and will look for a deeper run with returning stars and new team members like Profar.