Alex Anthopoulos went into the 2023 winter as arguably the luckiest general manager. He had two big objectives this past off-season: upgrade the left field position and find the Atlanta Braves a fifth starter. Everything else seemed to be a luxury as the Braves front office tried to navigate improvements. One of those off-season transactions brought the former number six overall player in the 2018 draft, Jarred Kelenic, to Atlanta.
The 24-year-old came and replaced Braves postseason hero Eddie Rosario. When acquired in the off-season, the plan for Kelenic was to be an everyday left fielder, but something changed once spring training began in North Port, Florida. Anthopoulos and the Braves were concerned that the left-handed hitter did not match up well against left-handed pitching. The Braves front office decided a platoon option was best again for their left field position. The Braves front office signed Adam Duvall in March, and the platoon is back in Atlanta.
Braves Outfielder Starting To Heat Up
The Ronald Acuna Jr. Injury
Kelenic and Duvall have split time in left field this season until Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his left ACL against the Pirates. He replaced Acuña in the first inning of the game and has been playing in left field every day, with Duvall sliding over into right field. Kelenic went 3-4 in that game, including a double and a run. Reporters asked Brian Snitker after the game if the plan is to keep Kelenic in left field. Snitker said he likes the big arm Kelenic brings, especially at Truist Park. Snitker is not wrong about the big arm; according to Baseball Savant, Kelenic ranks in the 97th percentile in arm value, which is helpful in the big left field.
Heating Up
Since May 26th, Jarred Kelenic has found his swing, and it’s what the Braves need now. In the last 10 games, Kelenic slashes .333/.361/.576/.937 in 36 plate appearances. He has put together 11 hits, three doubles, one triple, one home run, and five RBI. Those numbers have led him to a whopping 158 wRC+ and 14 total bases. His baserunning also plays a big part, as he ranks in the 93rd percentile in baserunning value.
Kelenic is picking a good time to start forming into his once-top-prospect self. The production from Adam Duvall has not matched anything he has done in the past. Having only played in 46 of the Braves’ 57 games so far this season, the Braves are hoping Kelenic will tap into a promising 2023 campaign, as it will be needed now more than ever for the 2024 Braves.
Main Photo Credits: Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports
