Braves Sign Jurickson Profar for $42 Million Amid Offseason Criticism, Eye Pitching Reinforcements
January 24, 2025As Ronald Acuña continues his rehabilitation, Profar is expected to take a prominent position near the top of the Braves' lineup.
Braves' General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has indicated that the team remains open to further acquisitions, particularly in the pitching rotation and bullpen, as they seek the right opportunities before the season begins.
While the Braves have expressed interest in both starters and relievers, no deals have been finalized yet, as they prioritize finding the right player at the right price.
Last season, the Braves faced challenges with rotation depth, making the addition of a reliable pitcher like Turnbull crucial for their strategy moving forward.
This signing of Profar comes amid criticism of the Braves' relatively quiet offseason compared to the aggressive strategies employed by other teams, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In addition to Profar, the Braves may consider acquiring pitchers like Jordan Montgomery, who is available after the Diamondbacks signed Corbin Burnes, presenting a potential trade opportunity.
Acquiring Montgomery could be beneficial for the Braves, as they might secure him for a mid-tier prospect and a commitment to cover part of his $10 million contract.
As the offseason progresses, the Mets are also grappling with roster decisions, particularly regarding their outfield options, which have raised concerns about defensive capabilities.
The Atlanta Braves have made a significant move by signing outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract following his standout 2024 season with the San Diego Padres, where he earned an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award.
Despite his recent success, Profar's career has been marked by inconsistency, with a career batting average of .245 and a total of 8.4 WAR over 11 seasons.
The Braves are specifically looking to bolster their pitching depth, with an interest in pitcher Matt Turnbull, who has shown effectiveness in both starting and relief roles but has struggled with injuries.
The Braves' offseason strategy has come under scrutiny, especially after losing pitcher Max Fried to the New York Yankees and Charlie Morton to the Baltimore Orioles, highlighting the need for strategic moves in the coming weeks.
Summary based on 94 sources