By mid-February, Jurickson Profar was still without a Major League contract—a situation not entirely unusual given the offseason market. However, unlike high-profile free agents like Matt Chapman or Blake Snell, Profar’s circumstances were notably different. There were no talks of multi-year deals or player-friendly clauses.
At 31, Profar wasn’t fielding offers or playing the market; his phone stayed silent throughout the winter. It wasn’t until after spring training began that A.J. Preller signed him to a modest one-year, $1 million deal, a move that initially garnered only mild praise for adding depth to the Padres’ bench.
Yet, that signing turned out to be far more impactful than anticipated. Instead of serving as a backup, Profar played a key role for the Padres, amassing a career-high 668 plate appearances and logging 1,203 innings in left field. He played in all but four of the team’s 162 games, providing remarkable consistency.
His production—4.3 fWAR, 139 wRC+, a .280/.380/.459 slash line with 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 76 walks—made him one of the offseason’s most valuable signings, far exceeding his modest salary. His plate discipline was especially noteworthy, with an 11% walk rate nearly matching his 15% strikeout rate, ranking him in the 90th percentile for both chase and whiff rates.
Profar’s stats tell only part of the story. His presence on the field—marked by energy, charisma, and a visible passion for the game—made him a fan favorite in San Diego. Despite being a former top prospect who struggled early in his career with the Texas Rangers, Profar found his stride with the Padres. His previous best fWAR was 2.4 in 2022, and his lowest was -1.6 the year before, illustrating the ups and downs of his career. But his competitive spirit, swagger, and joy for the game are undeniable.
For fans of the San Francisco Giants, known for their more reserved style of play, Profar’s exuberance might stir mixed emotions, especially as a division rival. However, in a potential pursuit of Profar this offseason, Giants fans could embrace his energy. The Giants need an offensive boost, and Profar’s switch-hitting ability and versatility would add flexibility to the lineup. While San Francisco isn’t desperate for outfielders, Profar’s consistent contact and newfound power—evidenced by a career-high 44.4% hard-hit rate—would play well in Oracle Park’s spacious outfield.
Profar’s defense, however, is less impressive. Primarily an infielder turned outfielder, he posted negative defensive metrics in recent seasons, making him more serviceable than standout in the field. While not a defensive liability, he’s unlikely to be a major asset in that department. If the Giants were to sign him, Profar could also see time at first base, where he has some experience, though his infield versatility might help alleviate concerns over newer players.
A Profar signing would likely impact current Giants players like Mike Yastrzemski or LaMonte Wade Jr., especially with Michael Conforto entering free agency. Profar could platoon with those players or serve as a designated hitter against right-handed pitchers. However, the Giants would have to weigh whether his 2023 performance is sustainable or a one-time peak. At 32, Profar may not be the long-term solution the Giants need, especially with younger, more high-profile free agents on the market.
Ultimately, Profar’s standout 2023 season might have been the result of a perfect fit with the Padres, a team where he’s thrived before. Moving him out of that environment could prove risky, and it’s uncertain whether he could replicate his success elsewhere. While he’s certainly earned recognition for his contributions this season, pursuing him as a key piece for the Giants might come with as many questions as answers.
