Does Jurickson Profar signing make Braves a top NL East contender?

Following a standout 2024 season with the San Diego Padres — slashing .280/.380/.459, hitting 24 home runs, driving in 94 runs and earning his first All-Star appearance and Silver Slugger Award — 31-year-old outfielder Jurickson Profar signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves concluded the 2024 season with an 89-73 record, finishing second in the National League East and clinching the No. 5 seed in the playoffs. They were quickly eliminated in the postseason though, after being swept by Profar and the San Diego Padres in the NL Wild Card. Injuries plagued the Braves' roster, preventing them from fielding their ideal team for playoff baseball.

In April, Atlanta lost starting pitcher Spencer Strider, who underwent season-ending elbow surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Strider, 26, was coming off a season in 2023 where he led the majors in strikeouts (281) and wins (20). That season, he earned his first All-Star appearance and finished fourth in the NL Cy Young standings.

Just a month later, in late May, outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in his left knee, ending his season. Like Strider, Acuña was coming off the biggest season of his career. He led the majors in on-base percentage (.416), hits (217), and stolen bases (72), while also leading the NL in OPS (1.012). His 2023 campaign unanimously earned him the NL MVP.

In August, one more season-ending injury occurred when third baseman Austin Riley partially tore his LCL in his right knee.

With an injury-ridden 2024 season, the Braves are looking at a healthier roster in 2025. The addition of Profar not only brings health but also upgrades their offensive lineup.