The Braves’ free agency move is already paying off.
The Atlanta Braves are preparing for the 2025 MLB season through Spring Training. With high expectations for the upcoming campaign, the Braves are looking to bounce back after a challenging 2024 season, which was plagued by injuries and ended with a loss to the San Diego Padres in the NLDS.
Atlanta’s biggest offseason move was securing former Padres All-Star Jurickson Profar with a three-year contract. With Ronald Acuña sidelined for at least the start of the season due to an ACL tear, Profar has been leading off for the Braves in spring training, a role that is expected to carry over into the regular season.
So far, Profar has impressed his new teammates with his skills.
“There’s a lot of things that make [Profar] a dangerous hitter, his ability to hit from both sides and his intelligence at the plate,” said starting pitcher Reynaldo López, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. “Whenever I had to face him, I always felt like I needed to be a little more cautious and prepared. Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about that this year.”
Manager Brian Snitker also explained the decision to put Profar in the leadoff spot.
“We kind of had a makeshift approach with the leadoff spot,” Snitker said. “It’s tough when you lose probably the best leadoff hitter in the game. But [Profar’s] versatility, especially as a switch-hitter, I really like that. He’s had success leading off, too, so he knows what it’s all about.”
