3 Teams are Leading Suitors for Free Agent Jurickson Profar

The San Diego Padres got so much more than they bargained for when they signed Jurickson Profar to a one-year, $1 million deal last season. The journeyman former top prospect (many, many moons ago), had a career year in his 11th season, launching 24 HR and 85 RBIs with 94 runs and an .839 OPS (all career highs).

Yes, Profar is now the top corner outfield bat left on the market. But that says more about the remaining market than Profar himself.

Going into his age 32 season, can he repeat his career numbers in every single offensive category? It's highly questionable, and we can certainly expect some regression towards his usual .726 career OPS. Yet there are a few teams out there who are looking at taking a chance, nevertheless.

MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand has noted two teams in particular that appear to be the most likely destinations for Profar.

The #BlueJays and #Astros are among the teams that have expressed interest in free-agent UTIL Jurickson Profar, per @Feinsand pic.twitter.com/Nc3LRFyth1
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) January 21, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays finally landed a marquee free agent after being turned down by nearly every other one. With Anthony Santander now adding some punch to an extremely offensively-challenged lineup, could they try to continue their lucky roll by signing Profar as well? With Santander, Daulton Varsho and George Springer locked into outfield spots, it's not clear where Profar would play, but he has played some at five different positions around the diamond, so he could serve as a super-utility guy.

Houston Astros

The Astros are in need of a corner outfielder (hmm, wonder what happened to that Kyle Tucker guy?). They are interested in Profar, says Feinsand, as they look to recoup something out of this offseason. They'll almost certainly be losing their longtime All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, leaving a huge offensive void in their lineup without him and Tucker. Profar won't be able to fill it, but he could be a little piece of it.

Atlanta Braves

Just for good measure, we'll throw in a 3rd team proposed by Yonder Alonso on MLB Network. With the Braves, Profar could join his Curacao countryman Ozzie Albies, and slot right in in left field where the Braves have a void.