When the Atlanta Braves traded for Jarred Kelenic in December 2023, it looked like a smart move to add one more piece to their already potent outfield. They put him alongside stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II. Kelenic seemed ready to break out with his promising mix of speed, power, and defensive ability.
But the vision for his role shifted faster than anyone anticipated. Right before the 2024 season even began, the Braves were already rethinking Kelenic’s fit. They brought back Adam Duvall as a right-handed option to hedge against Kelenic’s struggles against left-handed pitchers. The Braves wanted a balanced lineup, and early signs hinted that Kelenic’s skills might not completely align with their goals.
The season quickly took a turn despite some early confidence. When Acuña suffered a devastating ACL tear in May, Kelenic had to step up and fill in for one of the league’s most dynamic players—a tall order for anyone, let alone a player still finding his rhythm. And while Jarred Kelenic showed flashes of potential, the season stats tell a tough story.
Across 131 games, he finished with a .231 batting average, 15 home runs, and 45 RBIs. While 15 homers marked a career-high, his .286 on-base percentage and 133 strikeouts highlighted his struggles to reach base consistently.
Kelenic’s impact was even mixed defensively. His arm was strong but lacked the range Atlanta hoped for, finishing with a -3 Outs Above Average (OAA). These inconsistencies left the Braves with more questions than answers about his role in Atlanta.
At the trade deadline, the Braves front office brought in a familiar face—Jorge Soler—fueling speculation that Kelenic could be trade bait. With a potent outfield trio of Soler, Acuña, and Harris, Kelenic looked likely to shift into a backup role or even head to a new team. But in another twist, Atlanta sent Soler to the Los Angeles Angels for Griffin Canning, a much-needed pitching addition.
This surprise left Kelenic back in the picture for 2025, but the outlook remains uncertain. Acuña’s lengthy recovery means he likely won’t be ready for Opening Day, giving Kelenic another chance at an everyday role, but expectations have certainly been tempered.
The Braves have a choice to make this offseason. If they want Kelenic to hold down a spot in the starting lineup, they’ll need to see some adjustments to both his approach at the plate and his defensive range.
On the other hand, after four seasons in the majors with limited progress, Atlanta may prefer him as depth off the bench. That is a role he seems better suited for based on his performance so far. As Braves fans and the league look on, all eyes will be on Atlanta’s offseason moves, which will determine the weight of Kelenic’s role for the upcoming season.
The Braves outfield could stabilize or shift with a few key acquisitions or a continued commitment to Jarred Kelenic. One thing’s for sure—this winter’s decisions will say a lot about Atlanta’s expectations for Kelenic going forward.
