Jurickson Profar is finally living up to expectations

The time for Jurickson Profar is now. Twelve years after being labeled Major League Baseball’s No. 1 prospect, he is finally fulfilling the lofty expectations placed upon him.

Signed as an international free agent by the Texas Rangers in 2009, the young shortstop from Curacao quickly made waves in the minor leagues. By 2012, at just 19 years old, he was widely regarded as the best prospect in baseball, with a tantalizing blend of defensive prowess, batting potential, and an innate feel for the game.

Profar's MLB debut in September 2012 was nothing short of spectacular. He hit a home run in his first at-bat, a possible foreshadowing of the greatness that many believed would follow. However, the path to stardom is rarely linear, and Profar’s career trajectory soon encountered significant turbulence.

Profar’s development was hampered by a series of injuries, most notably a debilitating shoulder issue that sidelined him for the entire 2014 and 2015 seasons. These setbacks not only stunted his growth but also cast doubt on whether he would ever return to his top-prospect form.

Upon his return, Profar struggled to regain his footing. From 2016-2023, during time spent with four different teams (the Athletics, Rockies, Rangers and Padres), he slashed .239/.324/.388 with 80 home runs in 867 games.

Fast forward to 2024, and Profar's narrative has taken a remarkable turn. Now a key player for the Padres, Profar is not just meeting but exceeding the expectations that once seemed out of reach. Through 90 games this season, he is slashing .316/.409/.490 with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs. His 90 games played and .409 OBP lead the National League.

Twelve long years after being hailed as baseball’s next big thing, Profar is finally living up to his expectations, and his story is far from over. As the Padres continue their hunt for not only a postseason birth but also a World Series trophy, Profar's contributions will be crucial.