Braves Agree to Deal With All-Star Outfielder

The Atlanta Braves made a much-needed addition to their lineup, signing outfielder/utility man
Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million deal. Profar, 32, is coming off of a career year with
the San Diego Padres, finishing with a 0.280 batting average, 0.839 OPS (on-base + slug
percentage), and 24 home runs. As a result of his performance, he received his first career
All-Star Game selection and Silver Slugger award.

In light of an offseason in which household names have departed the organization, Braves fans
will most certainly welcome the news of the Profar signing. Likewise, Profar, who grew up a
Braves fan, exclaimed his excitement during his introductory press conference on Thursday
evening.

“I’m very excited, but no one is more excited than my 7-year-old son [Khairy],” Profar said.
“Every Wednesday at 7 o’clock, I was in front of the TV to watch Andruw Jones and the Braves.”
he continued.

A native of Curaçao, Profar is the seventh player from the country to play for the organization,
joining a list that includes Jones, Ozzie Albies, Kenley Jansen, and Anderolton Simmons.

“The whole country of Curaçao is Braves fans, so I get to play, you know, for the Braves fans in
Atlanta and the Braves fans here in Curaçao,” Profar mentioned.

The signing provides a much-needed boost to a Braves lineup that took a step back last season
due to injuries and down years from key players and bolsters the team’s outfield. With Ronald
Acuña Jr. expected to miss the first month of the 2025 season as he recovers from an ACL tear
suffered last May, the Braves needed an outfielder to pair with center fielder Michael Harris II.
Meanwhile, Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De la Cruz will likely platoon in right field until Acuña
returns.

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