The free agency dominos are expected to start falling once superstar slugger Juan Soto makes his long-awaited decision. After Soto comes off the board, the San Diego Padres’ former 2024 All-Star outfielder Jurickson Profar could make his own anticipated decision.
Padres: Jurickson Profar could make his FA decision after Dec. 9
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Soto’s choice will create a ripple effect among the bulk of outfielders on the open market including Profar (h/t Maren Angus-Coombs of San Diego Padres on SI).
The Curacaoan talent had a career year in 2024. Profar notched career-highs with 24 home runs, 94 runs, 85 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. The same could be said for his .280 batting average, .380 on-base percentage and .839 OPS.
Padres: Profar is slated for 30 times more on his next deal
Seeing that he was at his best across the board last season, the 31-year-old is in line for exponentially more than the $1 million he earned over one year on the last contract he signed with the Padres back on Feb. 12, per the Associated Press. He’s projected to earn north of $30 million on his next deal, with some projections even scratching at the door of $40 million.
Profar has expressed his desire to stay in San Diego, but with a robust field of buyers wanting to upgrade their rosters for a World Series chase in 2025, another team could swoop in and snag the 2024 Silver Slugger Award winner if the Padres don’t move with enough urgency.
