Braves Free Agent Addition to Make 2025 Spring Training Debut

The Atlanta Braves will debut their big free-agent bat in Wednesday’s game against the Pirates

The highlight addition of the offseason will make his first appearance in a Braves uniform | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Atlanta Braves outfielder and free agent acquisition Jurickson Profar will make his debut in a Braves uniform on Wednesday. Manager Brian Snitker has penciled him into the top of the lineup, and he’ll start in his usual left-field position. 

Jurickson's first start in a Braves uniform 😎#BravesST pic.twitter.com/0jmNcMrJfI

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) February 26, 2025

According to The Athletic’s David O’Brien, the lead-off spot could be where Profar bats while fellow outfield Ronald Acuña Jr. finishes his recovery from an ACL tear last season.

The Braves signed the left fielder to a three-year, $42 million deal on Jan. 23. He represents the only major upgrade the Braves made to the team during a rather quiet offseason. 

In 2024, Profar slashed .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs and a 134 OPS+. He’s reliable with runners in scoring position with a slash line of .321/.446/.509 with five home runs and 54 RBIs. 

This performance earned him his first career All-Star nod. 

Profar made adjustments to his mechanics that allowed for a breakthrough season.  He added a leg kick into his swing at the plate, lifting his front leg higher at the start of his swing. When a change in mechanics leads to improvement, it’s harder to write off a bigger year as a one-off.

Should this production carry over into the 2025 season, he’ll provide much-needed reinforcements to a lineup that was injured and still underperforming when healthy last season. 

The Braves host the Pittsburgh Pirates in North Port for a full-squad game on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m.