Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar revealed this morning that he underwent surgery in November to address a sports hernia, an issue that initially caused him discomfort as early as September. Profar, speaking to reporters including Mark Bowman of MLB.com, stated he is fully cleared for all baseball activities as he enters spring training.
The 33-year-aged Profar is entering his second season with the Braves after a three-year, $42 million contract brought him to Atlanta following a stellar 2024 campaign with the San Diego Padres. That season saw Profar earn his first All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger award, posting a .280/.380/.459 slash line with 24 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 158 games. His performance resulted in a 139 wRC+, showcasing a rare combination of power, speed, and plate discipline.
Although, Profar’s tenure with the Braves was immediately complicated by an 80-game suspension stemming from a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance. He returned to the major league roster in July and, in 355 plate appearances, demonstrated he could largely replicate his previous form, slashing .248/.358/.446 with 14 home runs and nine stolen bases. His 126 wRC+ indicated he remained an above-average offensive contributor despite the lost time.
Despite his offensive capabilities, Profar expressed reservations about a potential shift to a primarily designated hitter role. According to Bowman, Profar “gritted his teeth, smirked, and made it clear he’s not excited about the role,” though he also indicated a willingness to contribute to the team in any capacity, as reported by Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Braves’ decision to potentially utilize Profar as a DH is largely driven by defensive considerations. Profar has consistently ranked among the least effective defensive outfielders in the sport, according to defensive metrics. With the arrival of Mike Yastrzemski, a more reliable defender, to replace Marcell Ozuna in the lineup, the Braves appear inclined to limit Profar’s time in the field. The DH situation could also be influenced by the eventual return of catcher Sean Murphy from the injured list, potentially creating a DH mix alongside fellow catcher Drake Baldwin.
Atlanta is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season, their worst under baseball operations head Alex Anthopoulos. A full and productive season from Profar is seen as a key component of that effort. However, the Braves also face questions regarding the performance of other key players, including Austin Riley, Michael Harris II, and Ozzie Albies, all of whom experienced declines at the plate last year. The health of pitchers Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez will also be critical to the team’s success.
Profar’s performance, and the team’s overall trajectory, will be closely watched as the Braves attempt to close the gap with the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets in the National League East.