Atlanta Braves fans are still getting acquainted with Jarred Kelenic after he was acquired in a trade this offseason. Soon after the trade, it was announced that Kelenic would be Atlanta's primary candidate to play left field in 2024.
Once a top prospect in the Mariners system, Kelenic's career has gotten off to a rocky start and he's not lived up to expectations. However, some of that is due to management in Seattle deeming him the next big thing and potential face of the franchise.
Pressure like that can be a lot for a young player trying to adjust to the league, especially for a franchise that was underperforming at the time.
Luckily for Kelenic, being traded to Atlanta allows him to divert those lofty expectations. He will have the chance to fix his swing and become the player most expected him to be in Seattle. Braves fans should be excited for the potential that Jarred brings to the table.
3 reasons Atlanta Braves fans should be excited about Jarred Kelenic
Kelenic's power potential
Jarred Kelenic has not fully realized his potential at the plate but he's landed in the right place to fix that.
Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer just has a knack for helping players fix their swings and unlocking their full potential. Not only that but Kelenic will also get to pick the brains of Matt Olson who really fine-tuned his left-handed swing once he got to Atlanta.
Kelenic just has not been able to sustain any success in the big leagues and hasn't stayed healthy. He looked pretty good at the start of the 2023 season but eventually lost the magic and then fractured his foot by kicking a water cooler in mid-July. He didn't return to the Mariners until later in September.
In 90 games before hurting himself, Kelenic posted a .252/.320/.439 line with 24 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 45 runs batted in, 12 stolen bases, 33 walks, and 118 strikeouts.
He can drive the ball well but he is very susceptible to striking out a lot and struggles with breaking pitches. Kelenic will have to improve his plate discipline if he hopes to have any sustained success with the Braves. Kelenic's injury from 2023 seems to have helped him mature a bit as well which could benefit him in this area as well.