Jarred Kelenic's debut season in Atlanta got off to a flying start after being traded to the Braves from the Mariners , but cooled off to the point he was on the bench during the stretch run. Overall Kelenic finished with a .231/.286/.393 slash line and 15 home runs in 449 at-bats.
This winter, Atlanta has been rumored to have clear interest in a left-handed hitting corner outfielder in hopes of getting more steady production in left field. The Braves decision to non-tender Ramon Laureano means Kelenic should have a role with the team next season, but how big will that role be?
Kelenic could start early in the season, but lose his spot once Acuna Jr. comes back
With the expected timeline for Ronald Acuna Jr.'s return coming after Opening Day, Kelenic should have an early opportunity to get some at-bats unless the Braves add two outfielders this offseason. While the Braves do have the funds to bring in two outfielders, it feels unlikely given the needs elsewhere on the roster.
However, what do the Braves do once they have Acuna Jr. back and a locked in outfield? Kelenic could serve well as the fourth outfielder, but offers little value as a defensive replacement or pinch runner. Atlanta did acquire a toolsy depth outfielder earlier this offseason that could motivate them to deal Kelenic once RAJ is healthy if not earlier.
This one's coming back... JK!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/YCDAY8uw49
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 15, 2024
To put it simply, there's a real chance Kelenic is playing for his roster spot in the early weeks of the 2025 season. His upside could allow him to stick around longer despite a slow start, but at the same time Kelenic has a large enough career sample size that continued struggles could doom him.
Kelenic has a career .379 slugging percentage in over 1400 plate appearances, so 2025 feels like a make or break season for the 25 year-old Wisconsin native. Kelenic is fine to have around as insurance in case of injury, but any long-term injury to one of Atlanta's starters would likely mean Anthopoulos getting active in the trade market.
The biggest hole in Kelenic's game has been the repeated swing and miss. Perhaps newly hired Braves' hitting coach Tim Hyers can not only improve Kelenic's struggles but other hitters on the roster. If Kelenic gets off to a similar start as he did last season he'll likely stick around on the roster, but if he plays like he did at the end of 2024 his Braves tenure might be a short-lived one.