ATLANTA — Jurickson Profar agreed to a $42 million, three-year contract with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, less than a year after the outfielder got a $1 million deal from the San Diego Padres with spring training already underway.
Profar, who turns 32 next month, revived his Major League Baseball career during the 2024 season as he hit .280 with 24 home runs, scored 94 runs, drove in 85 and stole 10 bases. His batting average, homers and RBIs were career bests, as were his 158 hits.
“Tapping into his power was the one piece that was going to elevate his bat,” Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Thursday night. “We believe what he did last year is who he is going forward.”
Atlanta does not expect 2023 National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. to be ready for the start of the regular season this year. Acuña, the starting right fielder and leadoff hitter for the Braves, tore the ACL in his left knee on May 26, ending his 2024 season, and had surgery on June 6.
“We don’t have an ETA on him yet,” Anthopoulos said. “He’s doing well.”