The Atlanta Braves made waves Thursday by announcing a one-year, $2.3 million contract with outfielder Jarred Kelenic, sidestepping arbitration.
This deal, shared via the team’s social media, signals the Braves’ continued investment in a player whose raw talent remains tantalizing, even if his MLB performance has been a roller coaster.
Braves Offer Pay Bump Over Last Year
Kelenic’s pay bump from last year’s $760,000, as reported by Spotrac, reflects his standing as a Major League player, not a minor-league hopeful or a Rule 5 gamble.
Importantly, the Braves retain control over Kelenic through 2025, giving them ample time to see if he can fulfill the potential that once had him pegged as MLB’s No. 4 prospect in 2021.
A Season of Contrasts
Kelenic’s 2024 season stats—.231/.286/.393 with 15 home runs and 45 RBIs—don’t tell the full story. He showcased his top-prospect promise from May 7 to June 29, slashing .295/.335/.541 with nine homers and 22 RBIs over 42 games.
But injuries and inconsistency took their toll; in his final 63 games, he managed a meager .171/.237/.311 with six home runs and 19 RBIs.
Despite these struggles, Kelenic’s raw potential keeps him firmly in Atlanta’s plans. The Braves, who acquired him last offseason, lack outfield depth, and any future acquisitions likely won’t threaten his opportunities.
Untapped Potential or Quad-A Ceiling?
Kelenic’s journey from top prospect to MLB enigma is fascinating. Once ranked higher than Seattle Mariners’ star Julio RodrÃguez, Kelenic has yet to replicate his Triple-A dominance (.302/.374/.567 with 28 homers and 98 RBIs in 126 games) at the big-league level.
However, his flashes of brilliance and former elite prospect status make him hard to dismiss. Even MLB.com’s Mark Bowman recently identified Kelenic as a potential breakout candidate for 2025.
The Braves are betting $2.3 million on Kelenic rediscovering his form for now. If he takes that long-awaited leap, Atlanta may soon find itself paying a premium to keep him in the fold.
