The Atlanta Braves recently signed Bryan De La Cruz to help address their outfield needs, but they may still be looking to add a more impactful player to strengthen the position further. De La Cruz, who spent time with both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins last season, is seen as a solid addition, but the Braves are currently without Ronald Acuña Jr. at the start of the season. In addition, Jarred Kelenic doesn’t appear to be the ideal solution for the Braves’ final outfield spot alongside Acuña and Michael Harris II. Earlier this offseason, MLB.com’s Mark Bowman mentioned San Diego Padres All-Star Jurickson Profar as a potential target for the Braves.
While De La Cruz brings some value to the table, he isn’t the type of game-changing player that could provide the Braves with the offensive boost they need. Profar, on the other hand, is a switch-hitter coming off a career year in which he earned his first All-Star selection. He posted impressive numbers, slashing .280/.380/.839 with 24 home runs, and also won his first career Silver Slugger award. His addition would significantly elevate the Braves’ lineup, providing a dynamic presence alongside Harris and Acuña in the outfield.
If the Braves were to land Profar, their outfield would feature an exciting trio of Harris, Acuña, and Profar, with Kelenic and De La Cruz serving as more affordable options off the bench. Profar’s projected two-year, $25 million deal in free agency, according to Spotrac, would be an affordable investment for the Braves and wouldn’t break the bank. This makes him an attractive option, especially when compared to other potential outfield additions. Players like Teoscar Hernández and Anthony Santander are also available, but they likely command higher salaries due to their greater power-hitting abilities.
Overall, while De La Cruz adds depth to the Braves’ outfield, the team could still make a move for a more impactful player like Profar. Such an addition would round out their outfield with a well-balanced mix of offense and defense, setting them up for success. Profar’s combination of offensive consistency and positional versatility makes him an ideal fit for the Braves, offering both value and potential without the high cost of other power hitters on the market.
