Many believed Jarred Kelenic’s struggles during Spring Training led the Braves to reunite with fan favorite Adam Duvall as a platoon option. Well, that wasn’t the case, according to Alex Anthopoulos, who told 92.9 The Game hosts that the two aren’t mutually exclusive.
AA is interviewing again. This time on 92.9 the game. He just said and I quote: “Look, if Kelenic would have OPSed 1000 or had a 500 BA in Spring Training it would not have changed our acquisition of Adam Duvall”.
— Jasoñ Reese (@jase1129) March 28, 2024
At one point, Anthopoulos said the Braves were leaning towards giving Kelenic every single start to begin the season, rather than platooning him. That obviously changed because we know Duvall and Kelenic will platoon.
Many believed it was because of Kelenic’s struggles during the Spring. In 60 at-bats, the former No. 6 overall pick slashed a putrid .200/.232/.432 slash line. He’s clearly still adjusting to a new approach at the plate, working with hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, and Kelenic has really finished the spring on a high note, including his first blast in a Braves uniform.
However, I do think Anthopoulos is telling the truth because regardless of Kelenic’s Spring Training, the Braves needed a fourth outfielder. A proven commodity to sit behind the youngster in case things didn’t work out how Atlanta thought they would.
Adam Duvall was the perfect option. He experienced some of his best years with the Braves, is familiar with the organization, and he’ll have a great chance to win another World Series with Atlanta.
The longer Duvall remained unsigned, the more likely it seemed like Alex Anthopoulos would sign the veteran. The Braves are much better with Duvall, and Kelenic’s Spring Training struggles didn’t have an impact on the signing.
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David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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