In the highly competitive realm of Major League Baseball (MLB), discerning the true caliber of a player often requires a comprehensive examination that goes beyond surface-level statistics. One such player who has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike is Jurickson Profar. So, the burning question remains: Is Jurickson Profar good? Let’s embark on a journey to find out.
A Breakout Season to Remember
In 2024, the 31-year-old Profar experienced a remarkable resurgence in his 11th MLB season. Returning to the San Diego Padres for his second stint, he transformed from a near non - existent presence on the field in 2023 to a star left - fielder. Profar posted an impressive slash line of .280/.380/.459, smacked 24 home runs, drove in 85 runs, and stole 10 bases. These outstanding numbers earned him a well - deserved spot in the National League All - Star team.
Profar’s success was not a stroke of luck. It was the result of a significant adjustment to his lower - body mechanics. By adding a leg - kick motion, he managed to boost his exit velocity from 86.5 mph in 2023 to 91.1 mph in 2024. This increase in power translated into a more potent offensive threat. His xwOBA (.364) and xBA (.283) placed him in the top 10% of the league, demonstrating his ability to consistently make solid contact with the ball.
Moreover, Profar exhibited exceptional plate discipline. With a walk rate of 11.4% and a strikeout rate of only 15.1%, he was able to work the count in his favor and avoid chasing bad pitches. His chase rate and whiff rate were both in the 90th percentile in the league, highlighting his patience and ability to lay off pitches outside the strike zone.
Comparing with Past Performances
To truly understand the magnitude of Profar’s 2024 season, it’s essential to compare it with his previous campaigns. Before 2024, Profar’s career OPS was a modest .706. However, in 2024 with the Padres, he elevated his OPS to .839, a substantial improvement that signaled a new level of offensive proficiency.
This wasn’t the first time Profar had found success with the Padres. Even before this breakout season, the two seasons with the highest OPS+ of his career were with the Padres. It seems that the team’s environment and coaching staff have played a crucial role in unlocking his potential.
Recognition at the Highest Level
Profar’s outstanding performance in 2024 did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the Silver Bat Award, an honor bestowed upon the most offensively productive players at each position in both leagues. Earning this prestigious award solidified his status as one of the top outfielders in the National League.
Conclusion
So, to answer the question “Is Jurickson Profar good?” – the resounding answer is yes. His 2024 season was a testament to his talent, hard work, and ability to adapt. By making strategic adjustments to his game, Profar transformed himself from a relatively average player to an All - Star and Silver Bat Award winner. Whether he can maintain this level of performance in the future remains to be seen, but for now, there’s no denying that Jurickson Profar has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the MLB.
As fans, we eagerly anticipate seeing what the future holds for this remarkable athlete. Will he continue to build on his success, or will he face new challenges? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Jurickson Profar has left an indelible mark on the 2024 MLB season.