Let’s Make a Deal: Jurickson Profar

Should the Rockies sign the former Padre?

Jan 6

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On Wednesday, Jim Bowden published “What I’m Hearing from MLB Front Offices Is the Next Move for Every Team.” When it came to the Rockies, he made the following observation:

Rockies — two pitchers and a left-handed-hitting outfielder

The Rockies have tried to acquire a left-handed-hitting outfielder but missed out on Brandon Nimmo, Andrew Benintendi and Cody Bellinger; nevertheless, they’re committed to landing one before spring training, with the switch-hitting Jurickson Profar a real possibility. In addition, they want to add two more pitchers to their staff to improve their overall depth.

It’s worth considering, then, what signing Jurickson Profar would bring to the Rockies.

Remind Me: Who Is Jurickson Profar?

Profar is a switch-hitting, 29-year-old outfielder. The native of Willemstad, Curaçao, was a successful baseball player from a young age. (He represented Curaçao in the 2005 and 2006 Little League World Series.) At 16 in 2009, he made an international free-agent signing with the Rangers, who played him as a shortstop. (Fun fact: He spent 2010 with the Spokane Indians. He was also one of the Rangers’ best prospects.) Profar was called up in 2012 as a utility player.

However, after two seasons of limited playing, he suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him until 2016. The Rangers began giving Profar serious playing time in 2018.

In 2019, he was traded to the Athletics and moved to second base. He struggled in Oakland, however, and was traded to the Padres in 2020 where he began playing almost exclusively in the outfield, mostly left field. Profar was successful in San Diego, and in January 2021, he signed a three-year, $21 million extension. In 2022, Profar had a career year (3.1 rWAR and 111 OPS+).

In fact, here are some 2022 highlights.

When the season ended, he opted out of the final year of his contract. He finished his time as a Padres with a slashline of .333/.375/.707 and an 103 OPS+. Given all the additions the Padres have made, the decision makes sense.

How’s the Bat?

Let’s start with Baseball Reference.

The numbers, then, are fine. Worth noting is the fact that Profar hit 36 doubles in 2022, which would certainly play at Coors Field.

However, he has not been terrific when playing in Colorado, earning an OPS+ of 74 there. In 60 at-bats, he has 15 hits and one home run. Since Profar is a switch hitter, he would allow the Rockies get that lefty they are seeking. That said, he’s not terribly effective as a leadoff batter (84 OPS+), so he does not check all the boxes.

And the Glove?

It’s fine. In 2022, he spent 1237.2 innings in left field; 147.2 in center field; and 195.1 in right field. His career DRS in left is 10; -3 in center; and -2 in right. In short, he’s not an awesome defender, and the Rockies really don’t need another left fielder. When compared with the Rockies’ other outfielders, Profar would be very average in an already below-average outfield.

Can You Tell Us Something Interesting?

How about this? When Jurickson Profar was called up on August 31, 2012, he was the first player born in 1993 to play in Major League Baseball — and he was the youngest active player in the league. He also hit a home run off Zach McAllister in his first MLB at-bat.

So, Is This Happening?

It’s worth noting that Profar does have a relationship with Hensley Meulens that extends back to 2013 when a then-20-year-old Profar was coached by Meulens for Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.

Still, I have trouble seeing it. His projected contract is two years, $20 million, which is a lot of money for a player who isn’t exactly what the Rockies are looking for. Plus, there are rumors that the Astros may be interested in signing Profar.

Put me down as skeptical this signing happens.

Update

Patrick Saunders reported earlier this week that according to his sources, the Rockies do not have an interest in signing Corey Dickerson, which is a relief to most Rockies fans.

Viva Las Vegas

The Rockies will be playing two games against the Royals in Las Vegas at the Aviators’ Triple-A ballpark. (Insert “Dinger Does Vegas” joke here.)

Colorado Rockies @Rockies

Rockies vs. Royals LIVE from Las Vegas🎲 More info: atmilb.com/3VLL4oY

Graphic of Dinger posing in front of the Las Vegas sign which reads: Rockies vs Royals, Las Vegas Ballpark March 18-19

It’s almost like MLB is exploring the possibilities of locating an MLB team in Las Vegas.

Down on the Farm

Danielle Allentuck wrote a terrific piece on Benny Montgomery’s stay in the Rockies’ Dominican Republic facility. (It’s part of his player development.)
Geoff Pontoff of Baseball America did a Q&A about the Rockies’ top prospects.
Purple Row’s PuRPs prospect ranking project has begun. Add your list of top 30 prospects here.