Alex Anthopoulos, the Atlanta Braves General Manager, has built a reputation for making magic happen. His trades, signings, and roster moves often seemed to come with instant results to back it up the decisions. Lets take the 2021 World Series for example. Moves were made that appeared risky at the time such as trading for Eddie Rosario or Jorge Soler.
Unfortunately the 2024 season tells a different story. Anthopoulos‘ latest moves haven’t quite lived up to the hype. The decision to let veterans Eddie Rosario and Kevin Pillar walk after the 2023 season led to the signing of Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall, but so far, it seems the Braves’ magic may be running thin.
Kelenic’s acquisition has been a disappointing one to date. After coming over from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for pitchers Jackson Kowar and Cole Phillips, Kelenic was supposed to bring a spark to the Braves outfield alongside Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II.
But after struggling mightily in Spring Training, particularly against left-handed pitching, the Braves opted to bring back righty Adam Duvall to form a platoon. However, this Plan B approach was short-lived, as Acuña Jr. suffered an ACL tear early in the season, thrusting Kelenic into a full-time role in center field and even pushing him to the top of the lineup.
It looked like the gamble might pay off for a bit there. In the first 30 games following Acuña’s injury, Kelenic hit .248. He proved he has some pop in his bat and speed on the basepaths, the exact skill set the Braves hoped to unlock.
But after that promising stretch, things began to unravel. His performance declined, leaving fans and the organization wondering whether they had given up too much for too little. His season-long numbers—.233 average, 14 home runs, and 43 RBIs in 124 games—are modest at best and certainly not what you’d expect from someone who was once a top prospect.
The Braves acquired Jorge Soler and Ramón Laureano mid-season, further cutting into Kelenic’s playing time. With the Braves struggling to maintain their hold on a playoff spot, the spotlight is fixed on every move Anthopoulos has made.
Kelenic is no longer a prospect full of potential entering his fourth season in the MLB. The Braves need to decide whether he’s part of their plans moving forward or just another missed opportunity. The clock is ticking.
Kelenic’s role and ability to deliver is under the microscope. For a team used to Anthopoulos’ moves paying off, the lack of payoff from Kelenic’s acquisition is one the Braves can’t afford in such a critical season.
