Padres’ Jurickson Profar capable of breaking out
Credit: AP Photo
San Diego Padres’ infielder Jurickson Profar is only scratching his potential in the game of baseball.
There is a tremendous amount of upside when it comes to the abilities of new San Diego Padres’ second baseman Jurickson Profar.
A.J. Preller, Jayce Tingler, and the rest of the converts from the Texas Rangers organization are aware of that fact. Profar was the #1 prospect in the game of baseball at one time as a teenager in the Rangers’ system. The switch-hitter showed impressive plate discipline and a flexible glove at a very early age. Most predicted he would be a perennial All-Star.
Injuries derailed his career early, but the 26-year-old is still young enough to be a reliable player in the league. A shoulder injury forced the Dominican to miss the entire 2014 season and all but 12 games of the 2015 season. It was a very rough time in Profar’s life. All he wanted to do was play the game he loved.
His health is no longer an issue, as Profar played in 139 and 146 games in the last two seasons. Durability may never be his strong suit, but the infielder is capable of playing daily and performing at a very high level. The 2020 season will be the final year that Profar is under contract, so the Dominican will be highly motivated to have the best year of his career.
The Padres are counting on that career-year from Profar at the keystone, as the team failed to get much from the position last year other than what Greg Garcia contributed. No doubt adding the Dominican youngster is an upgrade for the Padres.
Profar may swing an adequate bat, but there are some real concerns with him as he committed 13 errors at the position last year. He also made 25 errors in 2018, which led all of baseball. Throwing has been an issue for the infielder in the past, but he is reportedly working hard to rectify that. The switch-hitter is capable of playing all over the diamond, including the outfield, so the Padres could very well get creative with his playing time.
There is no doubt that Jurickson Profar is the starting second baseman as the team heads into Peoria. The infielder will need to sustain his foothold on the position as there will be several young players capable of playing second base in camp with him. Ty France, Esteban Quiroz, Ivan Castillo, and Owen Miller are lurking in the background, and each deserves an opportunity for playing time. For the Padres, they will hope that their young infielder has a career year while playing in San Diego.
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.
There are 3 hallmarks of Preller’s reign of error: 1) that he cannot be objective when it comes to ex-Rangers, 2) he cannot be trusted to spend money wisely , and 3) he doesn’t value or understand defense. Profar checks all 3 boxes.
I rather have Ty France playing second. Give him 500 at bats.