Jurickson Profar had one of the best MLB seasons with the San Diego Padres in 2024. Profar recorded a career-high 24 home runs, but the Padres have not offered him a deal. Along with Profar, there are plenty of free-agent left fielders, but his performance stands apart.
The Padres star is sure to be on a team before spring training. Profar played for a $1 million deal last season, and he’s expected to get a huge raise. However, the Padres seem to have stayed silent on bringing back Profar.
The latest rumors predicted Jurickson Profar to sign with their longtime NL West rival. It’s none other than the Los Angeles Dodgers. Many find this to be ridiculous, especially since the Padres and Dodgers had a strong rivalry in the playoffs for the last few years.
It turns out that the interest is mutual, as Profar is ready to jump ship to LA. Profar joining the Dodgers would be a hard blow for the Padres. The 31-year-old would look to secure a deal that is close to three or four years. The Padres might not be able to give Jurickson what he wants, especially since they are cutting down on their payroll.
Jurickson Profar logged a career year in 2024, making the All-Star team and winning himself a Silver Slugger!
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 25, 2024
Who will sign him for next season? pic.twitter.com/1J0l2UE6Y9
Padres Will Need An Equally Strong Replacement For Jurickson Profar
Profar played hard for the Padres and helped them in the postseason. The Padres need to sign an equally strong player to replace the slugger. With their payroll being an issue, it’s going to be a challenge for the team. Profar has also been an excellent defense for the team.
Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Peller said that the franchise plans to reduce its payroll this offseason.
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“We’ll see where it all takes us in the next couple of weeks. Even though we haven’t lined up on anything from a trade or free-agent standpoint, it’s been super active,” Peller said.
Padres manager Mike Shildt said they don’t have the resources to pursue several players.
“We don’t have the resources. We don’t have the flexibility. Don’t have the payroll or the income streams.’ And that can be absolutely accurate and factual, and it is,” Shildt said via Sports Illustrated.
Jurickson Profar would join the Dodgers if they are ready to give him an offer. However, a few other teams could pursue the slugger. Apart from Profar, Alex Bregman is predicted to sign with a team soon.
