Profar, a switch-hitter, began lifting his front leg higher at the start of his swing. He said advice from former major leaguer Fernando Tatis and work with San Diego outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. last offseason helped convince him to make the change, which added power to his swing.

In the first (and only) significant move of the offseason, the Braves signed Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract. It filled the single biggest hole on Atlanta’s roster.

Late last spring, the 31-year-old switch-hitter re-signed with the Padres for $1 million plus incentives. It was his third tour with the team as he opted out of his deal after the 2022 season in search of a long-term deal. He ultimately landed with the Colorado Rockies only to rejoin the Padres in August 2023 after he was released.