Braves Sign Jurickson Profar

The Braves have agreed to a deal with free agent outfielder Jurickson Profar, the team announced. The deal is for three years and $42 million. Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reports that the Mets had interest in Profar before he landed with Atlanta.

Profar played the 2024 season on a minor league contract with the Padres and had easily the best year of his career. He batted .280/.380/.459 (career-best 139 wRC+) with a career-high 24 homers and 4.3 fWAR in 668 plate appearances. He made his first All-Star Game and won his first Silver Slugger, finishing 14th in MVP voting. Profar’s batted-ball data took a huge step forward, with his hard-hit rate increasing from 31.8% to 44.4%, and his average exit velocity jumping from 86.5 miles per hour to 91.1. Defensively, Profar posted negative-7 OAA in 148 games in left field and also played two games at first base. Given he’s a switch-hitter, Profar will likely replace the platoon of Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall that manned left field in 2024.

To make room for Profar on the roster, Atlanta has designated infielder Connor Gillespie for assignment.

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