ROASTER SHUFFLE: Padres Catcher Announces Sudden Retirement, Will Join Coaching Staff. As ‘Friars’ Lose All-Star Jurickson Profar To Braves In Blockbuster Signing, Agrees To $42M, 3-year Contract With Braves, A Year After Getting $1M Deal With Padres.

The San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves have made notable moves this offseason, with each team focusing on different aspects of roster development.

Kevin Plawecki Retires and Joins Padres as a Coach

Former Padres catcher Kevin Plawecki announced his retirement from professional baseball and has transitioned into a role as a minor league player development coach within the organization.

Plawecki, 33, enjoyed an eight-season MLB career, debuting with the New York Mets in 2015 after being drafted 35th overall in 2012.

Although his early years were marked by struggles at the plate, he carved out a niche as a reliable backup catcher. His final professional season came in 2024, where he hit .260 with 11 home runs and a .783 OPS for the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate.

In his Instagram post, Plawecki expressed gratitude for his career and the people who supported him, stating it was time to “move on” and give back to the game in a new capacity. His experience and leadership will now help shape the next generation of Padres talent.

Jurickson Profar Joins Braves on Three-Year Deal

The Atlanta Braves made a significant addition by signing outfielder Jurickson Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract. Profar, 31, is coming off a career-reviving season with the Padres in 2024, where he hit .280 with 24 home runs, 94 runs scored, 85 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases.

Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos praised Profar’s power surge in 2024, emphasizing their belief in his continued offensive production.

Profar will play a key role in the Braves’ outfield, especially as Ronald Acuña Jr. recovers from ACL surgery.

This signing addresses Atlanta’s need for stability and depth in the outfield while providing veteran leadership to complement their young core. Alongside their earlier addition of De La Cruz, the Braves have quietly bolstered their roster for the upcoming season.

Outlook

– Padres: Plawecki’s transition to coaching reflects a focus on player development and organizational continuity. The Padres will look to build on their recent success and remain competitive in the NL West.

– Braves: With Profar in the fold, Atlanta has strengthened its outfield and positioned itself to remain a contender, even as they await Acuña’s return. Profar’s versatility and offensive consistency could

prove pivotal in maintaining momentum in the early months of the season.