Jurickson Profar: Top 3 landing spots for the free-agent switch-hitter

The MLB offseason is nearing its end, and Jurickson Profar is still a free agent actively hoping to strike a deal with a team before the start of spring training.

According to reports, Profar was interested in both the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. While the Yankees are finding it difficult to match Profar's expected price because doing so would push them over the Steve Cohen tax threshold of $229 million and significantly raise their luxury taxes, Boston is content with its outfielders and is only now focusing on adding depth to its infield.

"There’s still one eligible bachelor at the free agency ball looking for a dance partner. Jurickson Profar, the 29-year-old outfielder who just flourished in his first season with over 600 plate appearances, still needs a contract," New York Daily News Sports tweeted.

In relation to Jurickson Profar's likely final destination before the start of the 2023 season, the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves seem to be the top candidates to land the outfielder.

Top three landing spots for Jurickson Profar

The Yankees have kept tabs on Jurickson Profar's development, and some scouts even made the trip to the Caribbean Series to watch him play. The Yankees still have enough cash on hand to make a multi-year deal with a reliable slugger and a superb outfielder without subjecting them to an onerous tax burden.

The Braves lost Dansby Swanson to the Chicago Cubs this offseason. Meanwhile, their NL East rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, bolstered their squads to where the division is looking to be the most competitive of them all.

So, they need a reliable face alongside Michael Harris and Ronald Acuna Jr. to fortify the outfield after Marcell Ozuna and Eddie Rosario disappointed with their defense last season.

"Still wouldn't mind seeing Braves kick the tires on Profar. Nothing long term obviously, but if Jurickson opted to sign a "prove it contract", I certainly wouldn't be mad about signing him," Fearthechop10 tweeted.

Last but not least, the Rangers could also be a lucrative landing spot for Jurickson Profar. Texas made some blockbuster moves this offseason but didn't pay heed to their need to increase depth in the outfield and went on to look for a reliable outfielder.

Aside from Adolis Garcia, the rest of the outfield hit a major slump last season. Profar has played for the Rangers before, and this reunion could benefit both parties in the 2023 season.