The Braves decided to non-tender most of their arbitration eligible players. The only guys to make the cut were Jarred Kelenic, Dylan Lee, and Eli White.
Now, those three will try to work out a contract with the Braves to avoid going to arbitration court to determine their 2025 salary. Which has already happened with Jarred Kelenic, who agreed on a $2.3 million salary for this year, according to MLB insider Robert Murray.
Source: Jarred Kelenic, Braves settle at $2.3 million, avoiding arbitration.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 9, 2025
This is right in line with Kelenic’s projected arbitration salary from MLB Trade Rumors, which made this an easy decision for the Braves after investing rather heavily in the former 6th overall pick last offseason.
Kelenic’s first season in Atlanta was underwhelming. After a fast start, his production tapered off, and he was eventually replaced by Ramon Laureano. At this point in his career, Kelenic is probably best utilized as a fourth outfielder. He’s a pretty good defensive player and can offer some pop off the bench from the left side. But over 131 games last season, he hit just .231 with a .679 OPS. He struggles mightily against left-handed pitching and hasn’t proven to be nearly consistent enough to be an everyday starter.
With that being said, the Braves don’t have many better options right now. Jarred Kelenic is currently penciled into being the starting left fielder come Opening Day. That could change before the start of the season, but it looks as if the Braves want to give him another opportunity as a starter to see if he they can unlock some of the untapped potential he showcased as a prospect.
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Photographer: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
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