Padres lose Jurickson Profar to NL contender on beyond reasonable contract

The San Diego Padres have been hit with more bad news, as this time their All-Star left fielder Jurickson Profar is reportedly in agreement with the Atlanta Braves on a free agent deal. The 31-year-old is coming off a career year where he earned his first All-Star selection, Silver Slugger, and put up career highs in average and OPS.

After weeks of rumors and Padres fans hoping that a reunion was in the works, losing Profar is a punch in the gut. Now, as San Diego struggles to gain any momentum in the off-season, only finalizing a few measly minor league deals, the situation in the outfield should now be a top priority. Chances at a reunion were slim because of the Padres financial restraints and the large price tag Profar now brings to the table, but a loss of this magnitude puts AJ Preller and the Padres in an even tougher situation than they were already in.

Reported by Jeff Passan on X, Profar and the Braves have reportedly reached an agreement on a deal, but the team has yet to confirm the news. The signing does make sense for Atlanta, as Profar is arguably better than their two current left fielders, Bryan De La Cruz and Jarred Kelenic. Add in the fact that Ronald Acuna is coming back from a torn ACL he suffered in May, the second of his career. and the Profar signing adds much needed depth to the Braves outfield.

The move leaves the Padres with a large hole to fill in left field. Current options to fill Profars spot include Tyler Wade and Tirso Ornelas, but Padres fans should be expecting an addition made by Preller in the coming weeks. With the Dodgers vastly improving their roster this off-season, do not be surprised if Preller decides the Padres need to make an improvement.

Any additions will have to come quick, as the free agent market for left fielders is an aging and dwindling list. Names like Tommy Pham, Mark Canha, and Alex Verdugo are still available, but trading for a replacement may be more attractive to Preller. Still having the option to ship out Dylan Cease (although now seeming less likely), Luis Arraez, and Robert Suarez, the Padres may now be shifting their main focus to acquiring a left fielder.