The Braves' pursuit of Profar began about three weeks before he signed. As the offseason unfolded, he had a shortlist of preferred destinations, but Atlanta was always near the top.

Profar, a switch-hitter, began lifting his front leg higher at the start of his swing. He said advice from former major leaguer Fernando Tatis and work with San Diego outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. last offseason helped convince him to make the change, which added power to his swing.