The San Diego Padres clubhouse is solidified by the presence of Jurickson Profar. The pending free agent should be brought back by the Padres in 2025 simply for his clubhouse presence alone. 

There are a few unanswered questions for the San Diego Padres this winter.

Several players will be free agents this off-season, headed by outfielder Jurickson Profar.

The Padres are committed financially to multiple players in the long run, so signing Profar is not as easy as you might think. Coming off his best offensive year, the switch-hitter is due for a big raise over the $1 million he earned in 2024.

Profar set new personal bests in virtually every offensive category last season. The 31-year-old slugged a career-high 24 homers and drove in 85 runs, which was also a new record for him in a season. His .839 OPS and .280 batting average were also easily his best offensive showings since Profar started in MLB during the 2012 season. He was an MLB All-Star for the first time in 2024. The man should get paid.

Batting third for most of the tail-end of the season, Profar was vital to the Padres’ success in 2024.

Jurickson Profar’s value goes beyond his offensive output, though. His golden smile and approachable demeanor are needed for success. Some would argue that he is the glue in the clubhouse that keeps the team intact. The native of Curacao speaks multiple languages and is well-respected among his peers.

His close relationship with Fernando Tatis Jr. is well known. In fact, Profar trains with Tatis’ father if he gets the chance. Fernando Tatis enjoyed a long major league career and worked with Profar to be more consistent with his swing. The hard work paid off for Profar, as he finally showed the offensive punch he displayed as a teenager.

Profar was the No.1 prospect in all of baseball before shoulder injuries in back-to-back seasons derailed his career early.

The switch-hitter battled through the injuries to finally become a regular in the lineup at the age of 25 with the Rangers. It was a long road back for Profar.

Hitting the bottom really puts things into perspective if you are a ballplayer. So much of the game is about failing. His baseball education gives Jurickson Profar a leg up on the competition. The switch-hitter does not take anything for granted. His adventure in the game of baseball provides knowledge that cannot be obtained any other way. Young players are wise to listen to what this man has to say about the game.

The early indications are positive that the two sides will come to an agreement. Profar’s best years are with him wearing a Padres uniform. He knows that. The Padres know that. A team-friendly deal may be in order with some incentive-based upgrades for Profar. It could be a win-win for both sides.

The Padres need their “glue” in the clubhouse to keep the team pulling that same proverbial rope. Baseball is a team sport, and it takes the unity of a whole clubhouse to achieve success. With Jurickson Profar on their side, the Padres have a better chance of winning. That is plain and simple.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.