MLB insider sheds behind-the-scenes of Jurickson Profar’s $42,000,000 Braves move despite interest from Royals, Blue Jays, Padres, Astros, Mets

Jurickson Profar, who grew idolizing former Atlanta Braves centerfielder Andruw Jones, agreed to a three-year, $42 million deal with the same club on Thursday. The move came in as a surprise as even MLB insider Robert Murray attested to the fact he was unaware of the Braves' interest until the deal went through.

Profar blends in seamlessly in terms of the roster and culture of the Braves. On Friday, Murray unveiled the behind-the-scenes details of how this significant move came to fruition.

"At the start of the offseason, Profar said in his press conference that he identified the Braves and the Padres as the two teams he really wanted to end up playing for this year," Murray said on The Baseball Insiders podcast (4:55 onwards).

"The Braves, from the start of the offseason, were involved in this market. There was nothing close initially, but they maintained conversations. At some point this offseason, Profar and Alex Anthopoulos had a Zoom meeting, and both sides came away very impressed with one another."

While the Braves identified Profar as a key target due to his breakout 2024 season and his reputation as an exceptional locker-room presence, they faced stiff competition from other teams.

"However, other teams were involved, such as the Kansas City Royals, the San Diego Padres, the Houston Astros, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the New York Mets," Murray added. "As soon as there was some movement in the free-agent market this week, Profar's market heated up, and Atlanta was aggressive in getting the deal done. They ultimately signed Profar for $42 million."

Robert Murray reports Padres were not aggressive to get Jurickson Profar back

As far as the return to San Diego was concerned, Robert Murray said the Padres never were too interested in getting Jurickson Profar back.

"Nothing was ever close there," Murray said. "The Braves were well ahead of the Padres in the bidding. The Padres remain in search of outfield help, but with Profar now signed, they will need to replace him."

Murray revealed that Profar idolized Braves legend Andruw Jones growing up and felt Atlanta was the ideal fit for him. Even Profar’s son reportedly encouraged him to join the Braves.

Profar, who went from earning $1 million last season to securing a $42 million payday, will now look forward to helping the Braves in their pursuit of the World Series in 2025.