Analyzing Jurickson Profar’s Performance in Return to Padres

Profar was given a standing ovation by Padres fans upon his return to San Diego and quickly proved that his three-year, $42 million deal was a good investment for Atlanta.

The outfielder battled at the plate in each at bat on Opening Day, tying a franchise record for most pitches seen in a nine-inning game in the pitch tracking era at 37. Profar got his first hit as a Brave in his first at bat, sneaking a grounder past first baseman and former teammate Luis Arraez. Profar scored later that inning on a force out.

In his Atlanta debut, Profar ended up going 1-5 with three strikeouts. On its own, this doesn’t seem like a very admirable debut, but Profar proved himself as a fighter at the plate. He fouled off 15 pitches with two strikes, a feat not seen since J.T. Realmuto achieved it in 2019.

Profar recorded a hit in each of the first three games of the Padres series and scored a run again on Friday. After Thursday’s Opening Day game, the seasoned outfielder did not strike out again over the course of the weekend. In his return to San Diego, Profar went 3 for 15 to open the season with a .200 average.

Profar, who made his first career All-Star appearance with the Padres last season and won a Silver Slugger award, admitted that he wanted to return to San Diego but was not offered a contract. He was asked if he was sad that the Padres didn’t bring him back, but it seems that after this opening series, Profar is satisfied to be a Brave.

“I think this team wouldn’t give me a chance to be sad,” Profar said. “No, I’m not sad. I’m in a great place.”