The San Diego Padres, who have been relatively quiet this offseason, are still working on making signings and trades, with fan favorite Jurickson Profar among the free agents they may bring back. According to R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports, a reunion between the Padres and Profar seems likely, despite his somewhat difficult evaluation as a player. While his breakout season in 2024 featured strong underlying metrics, there’s skepticism around a 31-year-old player having a career year, which makes some teams hesitant. Anderson speculates that Profar’s best outcome could be returning to San Diego, although other teams who missed out on top targets like Teoscar Hernández may take a chance on him, hoping he can replicate his success.
Profar is expected to secure a three-year, $45 million deal, and while the Padres are looking to reduce their payroll while adding talent, this could still be a feasible option if they can find savings elsewhere. Last season, Profar posted an impressive .280/.380/.459 slash line, setting a career-high with 24 home runs, along with 29 doubles and 10 stolen bases. His contributions were not limited to just numbers; his infectious energy and leadership in the clubhouse were also key to his value. Losing him would leave a gap both on the field and within the team’s culture.
While the Padres haven’t made any major moves yet, there might be a strategic reason behind their silence. The team could be waiting for Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki to finalize his decision. Once Sasaki signs, it could help the Padres understand their needs better, as he is expected to sign a minor-league contract due to his age eligibility for international free agency. If they acquire Sasaki, it would boost their starting rotation at a relatively low cost, potentially freeing up resources for other moves, including the re-signing of Profar. However, if they miss out on Sasaki, the Padres would still need to fill a starting pitcher slot, possibly influencing their decisions on other free agents. This timing could explain why the Padres are holding off on further transactions, hoping to make a clearer move after Sasaki’s commitment.
