Yankees’ Outfield Conundrum: Should New York Pursue Jurickson Profar?
As spring training inches closer, the New York Yankees find themselves staring down a few lingering uncertainties in their lineup. While their infield and outfield appear mostly set, questions remain about how they’ll address key positions like left field, second base, or third base before Opening Day.
The Yankees have made splashy moves this offseason—most notably bringing in Cody Bellinger, which likely shifts reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge back to right field. Yet, left field remains unresolved, with top prospect Jasson Dominguez potentially in line for the job. Despite the promise Dominguez offers, there’s buzz that New York might not be done adding reinforcements, with Jurickson Profar emerging as a surprising yet intriguing option.
Profar’s 2024 Breakout Changes the Equation
After years of potential, 2024 proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Profar. The 31-year-old posted career-best numbers across the board, slashing .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs, 85 RBI, and a 134 OPS+. His performance earned him an All-Star nod and solidified his value as a reliable, multi-tool contributor.
Once an infielder, Profar has transitioned almost exclusively to the outfield in recent seasons, showcasing defensive versatility and solid offensive production. That combination has led MLB insiders to project a significant payday for him in free agency, with MLB Trade Rumors estimating a three-year, $45 million deal.
Why Profar Makes Sense for the Yankees
According to Gabe Lacques of USA Today, Profar’s name has surfaced as a potential fit for the Yankees. His addition could provide insurance for a team that still has question marks at key positions. “Can you simply etch Jasson Dominguez’s name in the lineup and assume this is his time? A little insurance, please,” Lacques pointed out.
The Yankees are fresh off a run to the AL pennant, but their offseason focus has largely been on bolstering pitching and defense following the loss of Juan Soto. While these moves improve run prevention, the team still needs another bat capable of making an impact. Profar’s balanced offensive game and newfound power could be exactly what New York needs to boost its lineup depth.
The Risks
Of course, signing Profar isn’t without risk. He’s coming off his best season, which raises concerns about whether his 2024 performance is sustainable or a career outlier. Committing to a multi-year deal for a player with just one elite season could prove costly if Profar regresses to his pre-2024 numbers.
Additionally, integrating Profar into an already crowded roster means the Yankees would need to navigate potential playing time conflicts, especially if Dominguez emerges as a bona fide starter during spring training.
Final Thoughts
With the Yankees aiming to repeat as American League champions, the pressure is on to ensure the roster is as balanced and formidable as possible. Adding Profar could give the team the depth and flexibility it needs to compete with the league’s best.
Still, it’s a delicate gamble. The Yankees must decide whether Profar’s breakout season is the beginning of sustained success or an anomaly—and whether the risk is worth taking for a team already brimming with star power.
