A year ago, Jarred Kelenic entered Spring Training as one of the top storylines. The former 6th overall pick was acquired by the Braves in a multi-player deal after posting a decent season with the Mariners, recording a .746 OPS and 2.0 WAR over 105 games. It was his best season of what was a rocky start to his young career after receiving top prospect status when he was just a teenager.
The hope was that a change of scenery and a more stable organization in the Atlanta Braves would help Kelenic unlock the tools that many thought would result in him becoming a star player at the major-league level. But a year later, and Kelenic is all but an afterthought as Spring Training begins for the Braves in North Port, Florida.
The newly signed Jurrickson Profar has taken his place in the outfield, who signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves about a month ago. He will be the team’s starting left fielder for the foreseeable future, leaving Kelenic without a clear path for consistent playing time moving forward.
There aren’t many positive ways to spin Kelenic’s future with the Braves organization. Once Ronald Acuña Jr. returns from injury, which could happen as soon as May, he’ll essentially be a glorified fourth outfielder. In the world of the universal DH, that’s not going to present him with many opportunities to prove himself unless another injury arises.
However, Jarred Kelenic will have a chance to play everyday at the start of the season. What he does with that opportunity could ultimately determine the future of his career.
In an ideal world for both the Braves and Kelenic, he starts the season on fire, perhaps even forcing the Braves to consider a platoon with he and Profar in left field once Acuña returns. But the Braves can’t just ignore the $42 million multi-year investment they just poured into Profar. As long as he’s performing, he’s going to get the majority of the at-bats, leaving the Braves with a decision to make on Kelenic.
The 25-year-old outfielder is still under contract through the 2028 season. Given his age, tools, and team control, he could become a popular mid-season trade target if he performs well to start the season. That would be the best case scenario for the Braves, who can parlay his hot start and address some of their other needs, at the very least, helping them save face on their initial investment.
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Photographer: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
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