Jurickson Profar DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Athletic's David O'Brien mentions new outfielder Jurickson Profar as a candidate to hit leadoff for the Atlanta Braves early in 2025 while outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) continues his rehab from a torn ACL suffered last year. Profar isn't as fast as center fielder Michael Harris II, but he did have a .380 on-base percentage with the San Diego Padres during a breakout season. He also hit a career-high 24 home runs in 2024 and had a .367 OBP in 2023. If Atlanta uses Profar in the leadoff spot, he could stick there after Acuna returns, as the Braves have indicated Acuna will need rest days as he gets eased back in. In 83 plate appearances hitting leadoff in San Diego last year, Profar hit .380 with a .451 OBP and 1.071 OPS. Fantasy managers would be wise to expect regression from Profar, but hitting leadoff in Atlanta early on could help mitigate some of that risk. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 51 fantasy outfielder.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Atlanta Braves have signed outfielder Jurickson Profar. Last season, the 31-year-old posted a strong .280/.380/.459 line with 24 home runs and 10 doubles with the San Diego Padres. Under the hood, he generated a stellar .364 xwOBA and .282 xBA, placing him in the 92nd percentile in both statistics. In addition, he showed an elite eye at the plate with an 11.4% walk rate and 15.1% K rate, which were both significantly above the average marks. This was a nice improvement compared to the .242/.321/.368 line and nine home runs, he posted during the 2023 season. With superstar outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) still recovering from a torn ACL and not expected to be ready for Opening Day, Profar will provide a much-needed reliable option in the outfield. Profar should see consistent starts in one of the corner outfield spots alongside Jarred Kelenic and Michael Harris II. Given his elite walk and strikeout rate, Profar carries higher value in points leagues but should still be reliable in category leagues, batting in the top half of a potent Atlanta lineup.UPDATE: Profar gets a three-year, $42 million deal from Atlanta.

According to Mark Feinsand of the MLB Network, the Toronto Blue Jays are still targeting top bats on the market, including first baseman Pete Alonso and outfielder Jurickson Profar. Earlier this week, the Blue Jays signed outfielder Anthony Santander to a hefty five-year $92 million contract. However, given that the team was willing to spend on Juan Soto, Feinsand believes the team remains at the top of free-agent discussions. Pete Alonso has been linked to Toronto throughout most of the winter, and given that the Mets have begun to pivot in another direction, Toronto may be the favorite. Profar has had several suitors, including the Braves, but Toronto is reportedly looking to improve their outfield further. Alonso would bring another high-upside power bat to their lineup, while Profar will bring 20+ HR upside with elite on-base skills.