The Atlanta Braves traded for Jarred Kelenic with the hope that the former top prospect would be able to unlock his substantial potential in the Braves outfield. Assuming the Braves were right, the substantial trade cost especially in terms of dollars would look like a heist. Instead, the move has looked like a mistake.
After posting a .679 OPS last season with long stretches of ineptitude, Kelenic has been worse in 2025 in terms of production. With a .167/.231/.300 through 65 plate appearances, Kelenic has not made a case for playing time and that is especially true with Alex Verdugo coming up and raking.
In a bit of a surprise twist, the Braves decided to shake things up by signing Eddie Rosario again and optioning Kelenic to the minor leagues amidst a flurry of roster moves.
Jarred Kelenic has been optioned to Gwinnett. Eddie Rosario has been signed. Rosario and Ian Anderson will reunite with the Braves today and swap 2021 World Series stories. Davis Daniel was optioned
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 28, 2025
Braves News: Atlanta signs Eddie Rosario again, option Jarred Kelenic and Davis Daniel to minors
Starting with Daniel briefly, he pitched a scoreless inning in the Arizona series, but was occupying what has become a rotating spot in the bullpen. Expect Daniel to be in the mix for future call-ups, but the Braves didn't need him for the Rockies series.
As for signing Rosario, this follows a familiar pattern for the Braves in signing players they are familiar with. Rosario famously destroyed the Dodgers in the 2021 NLCS and the Braves tried again and again to recapture that magic with Rosario with nothing to show for it. Rosario was with the Dodgers this season before electing free agency a couple days ago.
As for Kelenic, he is just going to have to show that his hit tool can translate to the big leagues. He is certainly capable of hitting tanks and has some impressive tools and an admirable motor. However, baseball is a results business and without any meaningful production, the case to keep him on the big league roster with better options available was tenuous at best.