Battle for Braves' final outfield spot is gaining clarity sooner than expected
Atlanta's fourth outfielder battle is starting to gain some clarity thanks to impressive on-field performances.
The Atlanta Braves are still getting an idea of who their fourth outfielder will be at the beginning of the 2024 season. There are plenty of options to choose from but the picture has some surprising clarity already.
Fans likely had their guess of who that spot would be occupied by already but it's been impressive to watch so far. The concern of injury to Ronald Acuna Jr.'s surgically repaired knee makes this decision a bit more interesting since the severity of his injury is still unknown.
Jarred Kelenic will be Atlanta's left fielder to start the season. Alex Anthopoulos stated that would be the case a couple of weeks ago. So, the players we are going to touch on are strictly for bench roles and will not serve as a platoon. Depending on what we learn after Ronald's doctor takes a closer look at the irritation in his knee, Kelenic could slide over to right field and one of these candidates could take over in left.
3 best candidates for Atlanta Braves final outfield spot
Jordan Luplow
While Jordan Luplow is the weakest of the three candidates so far, he still is an option to fill the role for Atlanta. He was with the Braves during spring training in 2023 but was claimed on waivers by the Blue Jays in early April.
The main difference this year is that he is on a minor-league deal. Luplow isn't anything special but he plays serviceable defense and has some major league experience so he would be able to handle being on a big league diamond.
He doesn't have the best offensive numbers so that puts him at a disadvantage. His career line sits at .212/.314/.423 with a .737 OPS. His best season came with the Guardians in 2019 where he carried a .276 average with 15 homers and 38 RBI over 85 games with a 136 OPS+.
Jordan Luplow puts one in the Dunedin bleachers 💥 pic.twitter.com/NYG3dEsJbU
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) March 2, 2024
Luplow's spring hasn't been anything special but he did homer off of Chris Bassit in a Braves win over the Blue Jays a couple of days ago. He's played in 5 games and has a .154 average with a double, a home run, and four runs batted in.
While he has experience playing at the MLB level, I don't think he will end up being the final outfielder selected. That could change obviously but as of now, he isn't better than the next two options we will discuss.
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Eli White
Similar to Luplow, Eli White has some MLB service time under his belt. He made his debut with the Texas Rangers during the 2020 season. He got some more time with the Rangers during 2021 and 2022 but didn't do very well.
He was traded to Atlanta by the Rangers in 2023 and appeared in 6 games for the Braves in early 2023 but was sent down to Triple-A Gwinnett after those games. He slashed .254/.363/.450 with nine homers, 23 RBI, and 14 stolen bases before suffering a torn labrum on July 6. Injury has unfortunately been a continual issue for White during his professional career.
He was eventually released by the team on July 22 due to the need for a roster spot. The move was made for Allan Winans, who needed to make a spot start against Milwaukee.
Eli White checking in with a two RBI knock! pic.twitter.com/Qr1ImmNx7E
— Atlanta Braves Radio Network 🎙️ (@BravesRadioNet) February 29, 2024
However, he's performed well so far during spring training and is making a good case for being the fourth outfielder. White is batting .444/.615/.556 over 5 games with a double, two RBI, and one stolen base so far. He has also drawn four walks during those 13 plate appearances.
The now 29-year-old outfielder is putting together a good case for himself and could be a great option for the Braves. However, his proneness to injury is something that Atlanta will need to consider if they choose to carry him as the backup outfield option.
Forrest Wall
Fans likely already know about Forrest Wall as he has been talked about a good bit during spring training. He is a great speed option on the basepaths for Atlanta but his bat is showing some promise as well.
Wall spent the majority of 2023 with the Gwinnett Stripers and he had a pretty good year, slashing .280/.372/.427 with a.799 OPS including eight homers, 16 doubles, 43 RBI, and 52 stolen bases.
He made his MLB debut with the Braves on July 22 against the Brewers. He appeared in 15 games and recorded six hits while also stealing five bases. Of the six hits, two of them were doubles and one of them was a home run. He ended up with a .462/.533/.846 line during that time as well. Wall was sent down to Gwinnett in August.
His one home run came during a game against the Nationals after he was recalled to Atlanta in late September where he brought great value to the team with his perfect ability to pinch-run when the team needed speed on the bases.
Well #Rays Zac Eflin was looking good until this 3run HR from #Braves Forrest Wall.
— rock riley (@realrockriley) February 29, 2024
4-0 Braves 2nd pic.twitter.com/HPYj2o0Cmj
He has been slugging so far in spring training and looks like the clear favorite to win the fourth outfield spot. Wall currently leads the Grapefruit League in pretty much all offensive categories.
As of right now, his slash line sits at .462/.533/1.154 with a 1.687 OPS over seven games and 15 plate appearances. He's hit three home runs, driven in nine runs, and has stolen one base so far. He's earned one walk and if he can increase those numbers more, he would be a perfect option for late-inning situations.
His defense is a bit below average but as long as he is serviceable in that area, it will be just fine. Wall brings a lot of value to the Braves as a bench option and with how well he's performed so well, makes the most sense. He also has minor league options left and would give the Braves flexibility if they need to make roster spots available throughout the season.
Regardless of what happens, Atlanta has options available that would be able to give them good bench options when they are needed. Depth is always a good thing to have and Atlanta has plenty of it when it comes to outfielders at the moment.
There are just a few weeks left before the 2024 season gets underway and while this isn't a huge breaking point for the Braves, it's definitely one fans will want to keep an eye on.
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