For the second straight season, the Atlanta Braves signed Jordan Luplow as a right-handed option for the big league team's outfield. However, he will not remain a part of the team for a second time as well. On Thursday evening, the Braves announced they were releasing the outfielder to allow him to pursue other opportunities.
The #Braves today released OF Jordan Luplow to allow him to pursue other opportunities.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 15, 2024
The 30-year-old became expendable after the Braves reunited with fan favorite Adam Duvall earlier in the day. Duvall will serve in a platoon role with Jarred Kelenic in left field.
What does this mean for the Braves?
Coming into Spring Training, the Atlanta Braves had no clear option for their backup outfielder role. Forrest Wall, who has been having an incredible spring, and Eli White made brief cameos with the club in 2023. Jordan Luplow had competed for a roster spot with the Braves in 2023 but ultimately found himself designated for assignment shortly after the season began.
The Braves planned on having Jarred Kelenic start every day in left field, which meant that any of the outfield candidates would likely not get regular playing time, even if they made the big league roster.
However, when it came to Adam Duvall, Alex Anthopoulos was given an opportunity he couldn't pass up and signed the now three-time Brave. This slid Kelenic into a platoon role, according to the Braves GM.
AA said Kelenic's spring has "zero, no impact" on signing Duvall.
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) March 14, 2024
“This is about Duvall. We had an opportunity to get Duvall back, we were going to do that. Jarred has looked great. He’s looked great defensively ... We’re very excited about Jarred and how he’s doing, thrilled.”
AA also stated this was more about making the team better than it was about Kelenic's performance so far in Spring Training.
Of course, the addition of another right-handed outfielder signaled that one of the other players in camp fighting for a spot now finds themself in an uphill battle for breaking camp with the club. That outfielder appears to be Luplow.
What this means for Jordan Luplow
It's an unfortunate turn of events for Luplow, who has had a fantastic Spring so far. In 33 plate appearances, the righty has slashed .276/.364/.621 with three homers.
With Duvall now on the Braves, making the club was slim to none, especially considering he doesn't offer the speed or defense White or Wall do.
Instead of stashing him in Triple-A Gwinnett, Atlanta's choice to release him gives the veteran outfielder a chance to catch on with a Major League team that can give him a big league roster spot.
With two weeks left before the season begins, Luplow has plenty of time to sign with a new team and be ready for Opening Day. This could make him more appealing than other free-agent outfielders who haven't had the chance to see live pitching yet this Spring.
Hopefully, Jordan will land with a new team soon and have the chance to continue the great Spring he has been having.