After 11 years, Jurickson Profar finally showed the superstar potential that was once expected of him this season.

This is why the San Diego Padres should bring him back.

Profar a expressed the desire to stay in San Diego, and the Padres probably feel the same way. With no obvious replacement for him in left field and Profar posting a better OPS with the Padres (.743) than with any other team (.703), it makes sense for the two sides to continue their partnership.

“I’m a free agent now,” Profar said after the Padres exit in National League Division Series Friday evening. “But I want to be here. This team, I think it has everything to win a World Series. Mike Shildt has built a great thing here. I hope I’m a part of it.”

He was among the most productive hitters in the National League, finishing second in on-base percentage, behind Shohei Ohtani.

Despite his strong season, Profar should be careful before assuming he will land a massive contract in free agency. Money launderers report suggests he signs a three-year, $39 million contract. stay in San Diego.

Even though he had an impressive year, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t define his entire career. He has been a below-average hitter with limited power and speed for most of his time in the majors. At 32 years old in February 2025, this was not a young player who was finally blossoming after initial difficulties.

Profar will almost certainly get more than the one-year, $1 million contract he signed in February, but the longer he waits to sign, the more likely he will be forced to settle for another cut-rate deal.

Profar’s energetic style of play and positive impact on the Padres clubhouse have made him a fan favorite in San Diego, and it’s clear that feeling is mutual.

“Yes, I feel (love)” Profar said. “I feel bad that I let these people down. I want to win something. I want to win a World Series for San Diego. But free agency is… you never know. I learned that during of the last two years.”

Profar finished the season in poor condition and struggled in the playoffshitting just .200 without recording an extra base hit. He expressed his disappointment with his performance.

“I just like to win” said Profar. “I totally feel like I needed to do more this playoffs. But that’s the way baseball goes. I’m going to work triple for next year.

“But it’s not totally in my hands,” he added. “They must want me too.”