Jurickson Profar is rejoining the San Diego Padres on a 1-year contract reportedly worth $1 million for the 2024 season, with potential performance incentives that could increase the deal by 150%. This move, pending a physical, feels almost inevitable given Profar’s history with the team and his impact during their recent successful seasons.

Profar has been a significant part of the Padres’ playoff runs, particularly in 2020 and 2022. Although a natural shortstop, he transitioned to left field with the Padres and became an above-average defender while posting the best offensive numbers of his career, though these numbers weren’t particularly standout by MLB standards. However, Profar’s value goes beyond the stat sheet; he is known for his ability to galvanize the clubhouse, a trait that was notably missing during San Diego’s disappointing 2023 season.

After a lackluster stint with the Colorado Rockies in 2023, where he struggled to make an impact, Profar was released and quickly picked up by the Padres. His return seemed to coincide with a late-season surge, as the Padres went 15-5 down the stretch, narrowly missing a Wild Card spot by just 2 games. Profar’s positive presence and infectious smile have made him a favorite among fans, further cementing his value to the team.

With the Padres entering Spring Training with only two outfielders on their 40-man roster—Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jose Azocar—the signing of Profar addresses a critical need for depth in the outfield. Even if Profar doesn’t secure the everyday left field position, his presence provides much-needed security to what is otherwise a thin outfield group. The Padres are still holding an open competition for the outfield spots, with off-season additions like Calvin Mitchell and Bryce Johnson, as well as top prospects like Jakob Marsee and Jackson Merrill, all vying for a place on the Opening Day roster.

In summary, the Padres’ decision to bring back Jurickson Profar makes perfect sense given his past contributions, his role in the clubhouse, and the current needs of the team. His return not only fills a roster gap but also adds a layer of stability and familiarity as the Padres aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season.