Warm Welcome:: Profar received cheers from the Petco Park crowd when introduced, acknowledging them by tipping his helmet.
Productive Past:: In 2024, Profar had a career year with the Padres (.305/.394/.476 first-half line, 24 HR, 85 RBI), earning his first All-Star selection.
New Contract:: Profar signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves in late January after expressing a desire to stay with the Padres.
Opening Day Performance:: Leading off for the Braves, Profar singled in his first at-bat but finished the game 1-for-5 with three strikeouts. He notably battled through 37 pitches in his plate appearances, including a staggering 15 two-strike foul balls.
Why this matters:: Profar was a significant contributor and fan favorite in San Diego. His departure highlights the financial constraints faced by the Padres and adds an emotional layer to the matchups between the two competitive teams.
Jurickson Profar's return to Petco Park for the 2025 Opening Day marked the start of a new chapter, this time with the Atlanta Braves. Following a standout 2024 season where he achieved career highs and became an All-Star, the Padres faced financial difficulties that prevented them from re-signing the outfielder, despite his stated desire to remain in San Diego. "I said it after the playoffs, like, I want to be there," Profar mentioned. "But I can’t just grab a contract and sign it. I have to receive one." Padres' President of Baseball Operations, A.J. Preller, acknowledged Profar's impact, stating he "was a huge part of our team." The Braves actively pursued Profar, leading to his $42 million contract. Profar felt wanted by Atlanta, a team he grew up rooting for, calling it "the perfect team" if he couldn't be with the Padres.
Leading off for the Braves against his former club, Profar was greeted warmly by the San Diego fans. He singled in his first at-bat, eventually scoring the Braves' first run. However, the rest of his day was a struggle, finishing 1-for-5 with three strikeouts. His plate appearances were marked by tenacity; he forced Padres pitchers to throw 37 pitches across his at-bats, including a remarkable 15 foul balls with two strikes, showcasing his competitive spirit even in outs. Despite his efforts, the Braves lost the opener 7-4.
Former teammates expressed respect and well wishes (except when playing against him). Xander Bogaerts praised Profar's "very special season," while Manny Machado called him a "big part of our team, our organization, our culture." Machado added, "it was sad to see him go but I’m excited for him, excited for his new journey." Profar remains close with his former Padres teammates, stating they talk "almost every day."
Why did Jurickson Profar leave the Padres?
While Profar expressed a desire to stay, the Padres faced financial constraints and did not offer him a contract that materialized. The Atlanta Braves actively pursued him and signed him to a three-year deal.
How did Profar perform in his first game with the Braves against the Padres?
He led off, singled in his first at-bat, and scored a run. He finished the game 1-for-5 with three strikeouts but showed resilience by fouling off 15 two-strike pitches across his plate appearances.
What was the fan reaction to Profar's return to San Diego?
The Petco Park crowd gave Profar a warm welcome, cheering for him when he came to bat.
Jurickson Profar remains a high-energy, competitive player, now bringing his talents to the Atlanta Braves.
His departure from San Diego underscores the business side of baseball, even for fan favorites after career years.
Expect continued competitive matchups between the Padres and Braves, now with the added dynamic of Profar facing his former team.
Profar's battling at-bats, particularly the high number of two-strike fouls, demonstrate the grit he brings to the lineup.
Profar was a key player for the Padres in 2024. Do you think the Braves made a good signing? Let us know!
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