The 2024 season has brought a new set of challenges for 24 year-old Jarred Kelenic. His ups and downs in the early stages of his MLB career had many questioning if he could ever live up to the top prospect status he earned while he was in the Mets organization.
However, the Atlanta Braves saw enough positives in Kelenic's 2023 season in Seattle to make a trade for the young outfielder this past offseason. After a rough Spring Training where he was working on a swing change, Kelenic has seemed to slowly flash those athletic tools that made him a top MLB prospect. Entering tonight the new Braves left fielder is slashing .305/.369/.373 in just under 60 at-bats.
Kelenic is still trying to tap into some of that immense power with the bat, as well as cut down on his whiff% which currently sits in the 9th percentile via Baseball Savant. But as he works through his first year in Atlanta one thing is certain, Kelenic is loving the city and the camaraderie Alex Anthopoulos and Brian Snitker have built in Atlanta.
Welcome home, Jarred Kelenic.
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 8, 2024
Jesse Chavez can vouch for the place. pic.twitter.com/txER56Z0sf
Kelenic's teammates back his talent and work ethic
Kelenic has played in Atlanta for just one month, but he's already won over his teammates. Many of the Braves stars touched on the talent within Kelenic, and how he can provide a massive lift to the bottom of the order.
Kelenic has described the move to Atlanta as "A blessing to be here" and feels the togetherness in the clubhouse. Kelenic said the perspective around baseball about the Braves is that they do it the right way, and take care of the player like they are family.
Kelenic has been open about trying to be a sponge and learn from the great hitters in the Braves clubhouse as an attempt to become the best player he can be. Braves catcher Travis d'Arnaud went as far to say that Kelenic makes Atlanta's outfield elite at every position.
"He makes our outfield 𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 at every position." 👀
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) April 20, 2024
Jarred Kelenic has made an immediate impact with the @Braves.
Just the beginning. pic.twitter.com/DcKfgPJOuf
Kelenic revenge tour coming to Seattle?
The mental support and lowered pressure now put on Kelenic may be just what the young man needed to have his baseball career take off. He's already seeing some signs in his first month in Atlanta, but perhaps a trip to Seattle (where he spent three seasons of his career) will bring out some of that power in the Kelenic bat. Kelenic and the Braves will attempt to do just that as they take on a strong Mariners pitching staff over the next three days.