Jurickson Profar, a native of Willemstad, Curaçao, began his journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) with high expectations. Signed by the Texas Rangers as an international free agent in 2009, Profar quickly became one of the most highly regarded prospects in baseball. His early promise was evident when he was named the top prospect in the Rangers' organization and one of the best in the league.
Profar made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers on September 2, 2012, at the age of 19. In his first at-bat, he hit a home run, showcasing his potential to be a future star. This auspicious start was a glimpse of the talent that had scouts and fans excited about his future. Over the next few seasons, Profar's career was marked by both flashes of brilliance and significant challenges.
In the years following his debut, Profar faced a series of setbacks that tested his resolve. Injuries, particularly to his shoulder, hampered his ability to stay on the field. He missed the entire 2014 and 2015 seasons due to a shoulder injury that required surgery and extensive rehabilitation. These years were a difficult period for Profar as he worked tirelessly to return to the diamond.
Despite these challenges, Profar returned to the Rangers' lineup in 2016. He played in various positions, demonstrating his ability to adapt and contribute wherever needed. His versatility was an asset to the team, as he filled roles in the infield and outfield. However, consistent playing time and performance remained elusive, and he struggled to find a permanent spot in the Rangers' lineup.
In 2018, Profar enjoyed a breakout season with the Rangers. He played in a career-high 146 games, hitting .254 with 20 home runs and 77 RBIs. This performance was a testament to his perseverance and skill, as he finally began to fulfill the potential that had been anticipated since his debut. His improved play made him an attractive trade candidate, and in December 2018, the Rangers traded Profar to the Oakland Athletics as part of a three-team deal.
With the Athletics in 2019, Profar continued to display his versatility, playing multiple positions throughout the season. He hit .218 with 20 home runs and 67 RBIs, contributing to the Athletics' playoff push. However, his tenure with Oakland was short-lived, as he was traded to the San Diego Padres in December 2019.
Profar's time with the Padres saw him continue to be a valuable utility player. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he played in 56 games, hitting .278 with 7 home runs and 25 RBIs. His ability to play multiple positions and provide depth was crucial for the Padres as they made a postseason appearance.
In 2021, Profar remained with the Padres, appearing in 137 games. While his offensive numbers were modest, his defensive flexibility and experience were assets to the team.
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