Veteran outfielder signs deal with surprise NL team

Profar has spent the last five seasons with the San Diego Padres and had a career season in 2024.

Profar appeared in a career high 158 games and set careers highs in batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, home runs and RBI. Profar was selected to the all-star game for the first time in his career and won his first ever silver slugger award.

Profar will insert into the Braves lineup that will be without star right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. for the first few months of the season as he is recovering from a torn ACL.

After a successful stint in the leadoff spot of the batting order in 2024 for the Padres, Profar will be the early candidate to fill that void in Acuna's absence from the Braves lineup.

Profar will serve as Atlanta's left fielder throughout the season, but he does have the versatility to move around in the outfield as well as play both second and first base.

There is concern that 2024 could have been a fluke season for Profar, as he has struggled in his time outside of San Diego. 

If he is able to replicate his performance from last season, the Braves may very well be able to challenge both the Phillies and Mets for an NL East title.