Texas Rangers: Finding a fit for Jurickson Profar

Texas Rangers infielder Jurickson Profar
Texas Rangers infielder Jurickson Profar
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San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres may not seem like an obvious fit, but they have enough question marks where Jurickson Profar could be invaluable.

However, the Padres did trade Yangeris Solarte to the Toronto Blue Jays, getting rid of one of their more productive hitters from 2017. He split his time between second, third, and short last year, and ranked third on the team with 512 plate appearances. Solarte was tied for third with 18 homers, was second with 64 RBI, and his OPS+ of 94 was the fourth highest mark on San Diego in 2018.

In his place, the Padres are expected to turn of Carlos Asuaje at second, and brought back former All Star Chase Headley. However, Headley is not the same player he was before he left for New York. Backing up second and third is Cory Spangenberg, who has displayed potential, but has also struck out in nearly 25% of his career plate appearances. His defense, particularly at third, has left a lot to be desired.

While Profar may not look like much of an upgrade over Spangenberg, at least just yet, the potential is there. He has graded out better defensively, particularly at third, making him a potentially more attractive option. And that change of scenery could do wonders for Profar, allowing him to become the player that the Texas Rangers had hoped.

Jurickson Profar may still be able to tap into that potential. Heading to San Diego may allow him to do so.