Outfielder Jurickson Profar, the Braves’ newest signing, credits a swing change with his career year in 2024, where he hit .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs, notching his first All-Star nod and his first Silver Slugger award.
After taking advice from former major leaguer Fernando Tatis and working out with current San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. last offseason, Profar opened his stance and began kicking his leg higher at the start of the swing.
It paid dividends, and the Braves rewarded him with a three-year, $42 million deal, by far the largest of his career.
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos expressed confidence that Profar would keep up the production, something Profar appreciated.
“They showed a lot of confidence in me,” he said.
The former No. 1 overall prospect is expected to be the starting left fielder for the Braves and provide much needed stability in the outfield. Former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. won’t be ready until at least May, and the Braves are looking for Profar and Michael Harris II to hold down two of the three starting spots in the outfield.
The 31-year-old came up as a middle infielder but has spent most of the last five seasons in the outfield, mainly in left field.
“I like it out there,” Profar said. “(The Braves) have a great setup for me to get better in the outfield.”
In an interview, Profar noted the “direct line” the Braves have is with his native Curaçao, recounting fond childhood memories of the team.
Braves legend Andruw Jones wasn’t the first Curaçao native to make the majors, but he was the beginning of the connection between the Braves and the tiny island country.
“[The Braves] were the first team I started following because of Andruw Jones,” Profar said. “Every Wednesday at 7 o’clock, I was in front of a TV to watch Andruw Jones and the Braves … Curaçao is a Braves country. Everyone is a Braves fan.”
17 Curaçao natives have played in the major leagues, including current Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies and former Braves closer Kenley Jansen.
Profar will now be the seventh to suit up for the Braves.
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