For the Atlanta Braves, this offseason has been quite the one.
Trading for 24-year-old Jarred Kelenic from the Seattle Mariners was one of Alex Anthopoulos’ most significant offseason purchases ahead of the 2024 campaign, if not the most significant. After the 2023 season concluded, the Braves let 2021 NLCS hero Eddie Rosario depart, which meant they were in need of a corner outfielder with a lot of power. On December 3rd, Anthopoulos acquired Marco Gonzalez, Jarred Kelenic, and Evan White from the Mariners in exchange for Cole Phillips and Jackson Kowar.
Recently, Kelenic appeared on the YouTube program Foul Territory to talk about his initial meeting with Anthopoulos.
The approach of “here’s the situation, here’s how we value you, this is what we think of you and we look forward to getting to know you more along the way and we know that you’re going to enjoy it here” was really refreshing. My family also has a “no bull****” approach; if you know the truth and I’m open to hearing it, please share it with me. Thus, hearing it immediately after our initial talk gave me confidence that this would be beneficial for me.
Before being placed on the injured list due to a fractured foot, Kelenic enjoyed his finest big league season with Seattle the previous season. His batting average was.253, his on-base percentage was.327, and his OPS was.746 at the end of the season. He claims to be able to hear the truth, and this is it: the Braves selected him to start as left fielder. AA is certain that he can live up to the anticipation that has enveloped his entire career. Having a fresh start in Atlanta ought to make him more prosperous. I’m eager to watch what kind of results he achieves in 2024.
