Padres' reunion with top free agent could be threatened by AL contender

The San Diego Padres have a number of players who just entered the open market, and many of whom AJ Preller and the front office would love to retain for the 2025 season. But the Padres will no doubt have to be selective about who they bring back next season and how those potential contracts will affect the team's payroll.

Jurickson Profar is undoubtedly at or near the top of the list. But re-signing their All-Star left fielder might be a bit more complicated than the Friar faithful realize. The Padres did not extend a qualifying offer to Profar, so there's nothing tying him to the organization. While Profar has admitted that he'd love to return to San Diego, money talks.

There are sure to be some desperate teams willing to to fork out some big-time money to Profar this offseason, and the Kansas City Royals could be one of them. According to The Athletic, the Royals are looking for a leadoff hitter this offseason, and Profar could be a major priority for them.

Could the KC Royals pry Jurickson Profar away from the Padres?

The Athletic also listed Cincinnati Reds' infielders Jonathan India and Spencer Steer as possibilities, but of course, Kansas City would have to acquire either one of those players through a trade. The small market Royals might prefer to target Profar in free agency in order to keep their farm system fully stocked.

Profar had his best season ever in 2024, and it's easy to see why San Diego would love to re-sign him this winter. However, Profar's career has been marred by inconsistency, and one has to wonder if he can replicate his production from this past season. Since 2018, Profar has followed up an above-average campaign with a subpar performance the following year, and that has to be on the minds of Preller and the Padres' top executives as they ponder how to move forward.

Some outlets estimate that Profar could land a deal somewhere in the neighborhood of $15 million per year over three years. Are the Padres ready to commit those types of resources to a 31-year-old outfielder? It's definitely possible, but if other clubs like the Royals begin to up the ante, the Padres may reach their breaking point.

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