Jarred Kelenic gets hot for Atlanta

Alex Anthopoulos entered the winter of 2023 as arguably the luckiest general manager. He had two big goals this past offseason: improve the left field position and find the Atlanta Braves a fifth starter. Everything else seemed like a luxury as the Braves front office tried to find improvements. One of those offseason deals brought former 2018 No. 6 pick Jarred Kelenic to Atlanta.

The 24-year-old came in to replace Braves playoff hero Eddie Rosario. When acquired in the off-season, Kelenic’s plan was to become 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 wouldn’t perform well against left-handed pitchers. The Braves front office decided that a platoon option was again best for their left field position. The Braves front office signed Adam Duvall in March and the Pack is back in Atlanta.

Braves outfielder begins to warm up

Ronald Acuna Jr.’s injury

Kelenic and Duvall 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 played left field every day, with Duvall sliding to right field. Kelenic went 3-4 in this game, including a double and a run. Reporters asked Brian Snitker after the game if the plan was to keep Kelenic in left field. Snitker said he liked the big arm Kelenic brought, especially at Truist Park. Snitker isn’t wrong about the big arm; According to Baseball Savant, Kelenic ranks in the 97th percentile in arm value, which is useful in big left field.

Heat

Since May 26, Jarred Kelenic has found his momentum, and that’s what the Braves need now. Over the last 10 games, Kelenic is slashing .333/.361/.576/.937 in 36 plate appearances. He had 11 hits, three doubles, a triple, a home run and five RBIs. Those numbers led him to 158 wRC+ and 14 total bases. His baserunning also plays a big role, as he ranks in the 93rd percentile in baserunning value.

Kelenic chooses the right moment to start becoming his once most promising self. Adam Duvall’s production hasn’t matched anything he’s done in the past. Having played in just 46 of the Braves’ 57 games so far this season, the Braves are hoping Kelenic enjoys a promising 2023 campaign, as she will be needed more than ever for the 2024 Braves.

Main photo credits: Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports