As the 2024 MLB offseason heats up, the San Diego Padres are facing an increasingly uncertain future—especially when it comes to fan-favorite Jurickson Profar. The versatile outfielder, whose high-energy play and clutch performances last season helped make him a key part of the Padres’ lineup, is set to hit free agency this winter. The burning question: Can the Padres afford to keep him, or will they lose him to another team looking to make a splash in the outfield?
Profar’s Impact on the Padres in 2024
Before diving into the financial implications of re-signing Profar, let’s take a look at what he brought to the Padres in 2024. Profar was a stabilizing force for San Diego, hitting .280 with 24 home runs, 29 doubles, and 10 stolen bases. But it wasn’t just his bat that earned him praise. Profar’s energy and enthusiasm were contagious, making him one of the most beloved players in the clubhouse.
Not only did Profar post solid overall numbers, but his ability to get on base was exceptional. With a .380 on-base percentage—second in the National League—he proved to be a consistent and reliable contributor in the Padres’ lineup. His versatility in the field, playing both the outfield and infield, added tremendous value, as did his ability to hit left-handed pitching. Against lefties in 2024, Profar was a standout, posting a .300 batting average and an impressive .885 OPS.
For the Padres, keeping him was always going to be a challenge. With a crowded payroll, the club’s ability to bring back key pieces like Profar will depend heavily on the moves President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller is willing to make this winter.
A.J. Preller’s Quiet Offseason Could Spell Trouble for Profar’s Return
Preller, who is known for his aggressive moves, has kept a relatively low profile in the early weeks of this offseason. While there’s been little news of a big splash, the Padres’ front office has a tough decision to make regarding free agents like Profar and Ha-Seong Kim. The latter’s return seems more likely, but Profar’s future with the team remains up in the air.
Can the Padres afford to bring him back? According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, a reunion is unlikely. Bowden predicts that Profar will land a three-year, $39 million deal with the Minnesota Twins. The move would make sense for Minnesota, which is looking to upgrade its outfield corners and could use Profar’s bat against left-handed pitchers. “He plays with high energy and enthusiasm, and it rubs off on his teammates,” Bowden noted in his analysis.
As hard as it is to imagine Profar in a Twins uniform—especially given his established rapport with the Padres—it’s a realistic fit for the former All-Star. Minnesota is in need of someone who can hold down the outfield corners and make an impact at the plate, especially against southpaws. Profar checks both of those boxes, and if the Twins can make room in their payroll, it could be a perfect match.
The Padres’ Struggle to Stay Competitive in the NL West
It’s not just Profar who is up in the air—Ha-Seong Kim, another key contributor, is also in the midst of contract uncertainty. While both players would certainly help the Padres stay competitive in the NL West, it seems increasingly unlikely that the team will be able to bring them both back. This leaves Preller with a tough balancing act—keeping the roster strong without pushing the budget to its breaking point.
The pressure is on for the Padres, especially with their division rivals making significant moves. The Los Angeles Dodgers just added another ace to their rotation by signing former Padre Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants made a huge splash by locking up star shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year, $182 million contract. While the Padres may not have the same financial flexibility as these clubs, they’ll need to find creative ways to stay competitive.
Adding to the urgency is the looming end of the Padres’ current competitive window. By 2025, two of their top starters—Michael King and Dylan Cease—are set to become free agents, which could shift the team’s direction entirely. The window for a World Series run is closing fast, and if the Padres are going to make a serious push in 2024, they may need to retool their roster and ensure they can keep key contributors like Profar.
What’s Next for Jurickson Profar?
So, what does all of this mean for Jurickson Profar’s future? While his energy and enthusiasm would undoubtedly make him a valuable asset to the Padres, the team faces significant financial constraints, and his future with the team remains uncertain. As A.J. Preller navigates an offseason full of questions, the Padres’ ability to retain Profar may come down to whether they can clear space on their payroll for him. With so many moving pieces, it’s going to be a tight squeeze.
If Profar does depart, the Padres will have to shift their focus to other options to fill his role, while hoping to keep the rest of their talented roster intact. For now, Padres fans will just have to wait and see if the team can find a way to keep one of their most beloved players—or if, like many other Padres stars before him, Profar will become another example of a talented player moving on to a new team in the quest for financial stability.
