Red Sox Surprisingly Floated As Fit For $25 Million All-Star Switch-Hitter

An unexpected free-agent signing on the horizon?
Jul 16, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; National League outfielder Jurickson Profar of the San Diego Padres (10) and National League designated hitter Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers (17) celebrate after Ohtani hits a three run home rune against the American League during the third inning of the 2024 MLB All-Star game at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jul 16, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; National League outfielder Jurickson Profar of the San Diego Padres (10) and National League designated hitter Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers (17) celebrate after Ohtani hits a three run home rune against the American League during the third inning of the 2024 MLB All-Star game at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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It's been discussed ad nauseam all winter: the Boston Red Sox have issues against left-handed pitching.

Because the vast majority of their position player core bats left-handed, the Red Sox are in a somewhat precarious position. Do they move on from any of their potential stars to better balance the lineup in the present?

Jurickson Profar, a 2024 All-Star for the San Diego Padres, is an interesting name to watch. The switch-hitter signed a $1 million contract with San Diego last winter, but performed so well (3.6 bWAR, .839 OPS) that he'll be seeking a multi-year deal this time around.

Profar is projected for a two-year, $25 million deal by Spotrac. That would fit comfortably under the Red Sox's payroll without going over the luxury tax.

Earlier this week, Talkin' Baseball host Jake Storiale mentioned the Red Sox as a fit for Profar, while also noting how difficult it is to judge his results from 2024 and project his talents with a new team.

"The Red Sox have been linked to him," Storiale said. "Do teams believe in Jurickson Profar from last year? You should, and you shouldn't."

It would be easy for an evaluator to draw any conclusions they like about Profar's future, because he's been so mercurial throughout his career, especially in the last two seasons. He was one of the worst position players in the league with the Colorado Rockies in 2023, but had one of the best seasons by any outfielder in the National League in 2024.

There's no doubt that Profar could help the Red Sox against left-handed pitching. He slashed .300/.385/.500 against lefties in 2024 and still had an OPS over .800 against righties, too. But is it worth robbing some other outfielder on the roster of playing time to give him an everyday role?

It's a tough question, and the Red Sox front office might well come down on either side of it. But either way, it's a question that will be answered before the new season begins.

More MLB: 'Strong Chance' 22-Year-Old Red Sox Prospect Makes Opening Day Roster, Per Insider


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Jackson Roberts
JACKSON ROBERTS

Jackson Roberts is a former Division III All-Region DH who now writes and talks about sports for a living. A Bay Area native and a graduate of Swarthmore College and the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, Jackson makes his home in North Jersey. He grew up rooting for the Red Sox, Patriots, and Warriors, and he recently added the Devils to his sports fandom mosaic. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Boston Red Sox On SI, please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org