Why has Jurickson Profar not been signed yet? Evaluating Netherlands' veteran's MLB options

Entering the offseason, it seemed that Jurickson Profar would have no issue finding a new club for 2023 after the San Diego Padres declined his option. The versatile veteran had one of his most productive seasons in the MLB last year. However, Profar still finds himself in the free-agent market.

"Jurickson Profar last season: .243/.331/.391, .320 wOBA, 110 wRC+, 11.1 BB%/15.7 K%. Super utility defensively. I’m shocked he hasn’t signed yet, he’s a solid filler for a contending team," DataBase Hit tweeted.

While Profar has played nearly every position throughout his MLB career, the veteran spent the entirety of last season in left field for the Padres. Given that several teams needed to fill vacancies in left field, it appeared that Profar would not need to wait long before he would sign a contract with a new club.

Yet, Profar remains a free agent. There may be several reasons why Profar is not with a club. One may be his contract demands. Several reports have indicated that the outfielder is seeking a $10 million contract. That price tag may be too much for teams that may already have cheaper options on their current rosters.

"Should the Yankees try to sign him?" Fireside Yankees tweeted.

The New York Yankees have been linked to the veteran utilityman as the team was unable to bring back free agent Andrew Benintendi. However, the team has already mentioned several options for filling the vacant spot in left field, including rotating their current core of outfielders such as Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks.

While by no means is Jurickson Profar a bad player, the fact that he was a tier below many other starting outfielders and doesn’t excel in one aspect of the game has made him a low priority for several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers who signed David Peralta instead of Profar.

A look at Jurickson Profar's 2022 season

Last season with the San Diego Padres, Profar enjoyed a productive season at the dish. Through 152 games with the Friars, Profar hit .244 with 15 home runs, 58 RBIs and a .723 OPS. He also set a career high by drawing 73 walks.

The 152 games played were the most of his career after struggling to find consistent playing time with the Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics, which should help his case for a new deal.

While Jurickson Profar may find himself on a roster before the season begins, he may need to lower his asking price if he wants to get it done sooner rather than later.