After a strong sample size back with the Padres in 2023, outfielder Jurickson Profar will return to San Diego for a fifth season. San Diego will reportedly bring back Profar on a one-year deal after the veteran outfielder had an up-and-down 2023 campaign.
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A Look at Profar
Returning Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar was a highly useful bat for San Diego for three seasons but opted out of his deal last winter to hopefully procure a larger deal. That, however, did not manifest.
Profar wound up taking a one-year deal worth $7.75MM with Colorado in March. The move didn’t work for either side, as the switch-hitter posted just a .236/.316/.364 (.680 OPS) slash line with eight home runs over 111 games (472 PA). After the veteran was released in the summer, Profar wound up re-signing with San Diego.
The 30-year-old didn’t do too badly with the Padres, as he hit .295/.367/.409 with a home run and three extra-base hits over 14 games.
While Profar does have a couple of 20-home run campaigns behind him, Profar isn’t a power hitter by any means. What Profar is good at, however, is his ability to control the strike zone, as well as make good, consistent contact.
The 30-year-old has a knack for handling velocity and often was able to keep the hands in to go inside out and control the barrel. His strong contact skills have allowed him to maintain a career Whiff% (19.2%) well above league average.
On top of his bat, Profar’s got a good eye, which has been able to net him above-average walk rates in each of the last three seasons.
Per the New York Post, Jurickson Profar is set to receive a one-year deal that will give him a guaranteed $1MM.
Analysis
The Padres needed outfield help – and that’s blatantly obvious when looking at their roster. After the trade that sent Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to New York, the only two regular outfielders on the Padres’ 40-man roster were Jose Azocar and Fernando Tatis Jr. Utilityman Tucupita Marcano does have experience in left but has primarily been an infielder.
Profar might not be a sexy signing by any means. However, the veteran fit very well atop the Padres lineup in 2022 thanks to his ability to get on base. That season, Profar owned a solid .333 OBP in 405 plate appearances when batting first.
If Profar can put up similar numbers, that could bode well for the Padres in 2024.
The move to bring back Profar also doesn’t break the bank, as San Diego’s looked to keep payroll down for 2024.