PADRES NEWS: JURICKSON PROFAR'S BREAKOUT SEASON FUELS PLAYOFF HOPES

The San Diego Padres' first half of the season has been a wild ride, with highs, lows, and a series of injuries that could have sunk any lesser team. But thanks to the unexpected heroics of utility player Jurickson Profar, the Friars are not just afloat—they're firmly in the playoff race.

Profar, who might have been an under-the-radar signing for some, has turned into the Padres' MVP. Bob Nightengale of USA Today even crowned him as one of the best free-agent signings of the season so far. "He signed a one-year, $1 million contract on the eve of spring training with just $1.5 million in incentives," Nightengale noted. "Four months later, he's the best outfielder in the National League and the MVP of the Padres."

Related: Jurickson Profar Gets High Praise From Padres Teammate

Talk about a bargain! For the price of a mid-sized sedan, the Padres landed a player who's delivering an All-Star caliber season. Profar’s slash line reads .311/.404/.472 with an .876 OPS, way above his career norms. Add 11 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 93 hits (just 47 shy of his career high), and you’ve got a recipe for success. He’s currently sitting pretty as the second among outfielders in MLB All-Star voting, with a real shot at starting in the All-Star game in Texas.

At 31, Profar is playing like a man possessed, and his performance will be key if the Padres hope to make a serious October push. With stats like these and the kind of consistency he's showing, the Friars are counting on him to keep up the pace. The season might have started as a roller coaster, but with Profar at the helm, the Padres' ride might just end up in the winner's circle.

2024-07-03T22:51:33Z dg43tfdfdgfd