The Atlanta Braves and outfielder Jarred Kelenic agreed to a one-year contract to avoid arbitration on Thursday. The 25-year-old was flipped from the Seattle Mariners to the Braves last off-season, looking to build a good platform. After struggling in Seattle, general manager Alex Anthopoulos pulled the deal off to solidify left field. The left-handed hitter also added a crucial bat when right-handed hitters dominated the lineup. The former New York Mets top prospect headlined a return the Mariners received after dealing Edwin Diaz in 2018. Now, Kelenic looks to steer the conversation from platoon to starter in terms his play.
This one’s coming back… JK!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/YCDAY8uw49
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 15, 2024
Jarred Kelenic Contract Details
Kelenic entered his first year of arbitration after debuting in 2021. The Braves looked to avoid arbitration, as Eli White and Dylan Lee are heading toward the same scenario. With the deadline at 1 pm Eastern time, the two parties settled before the deadline. White and Lee will head toward their hearings listed in February. Kelenic’s deal is for $2.3 million, his highest season average. The lefty made $760,000 last season, and looks to improve for a higher salary in 2026. Meanwhile, the Braves still control arbitration for Kelenic for the next three seasons. Kelenic will be a free agent in 2029 when he will be 29-years-old.
The #Braves today signed OF Jarred Kelenic ($2.3 million) to a one-year contract for the 2025 season.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 9, 2025
2025 Outlook
The Braves have their outfield questions. Still looking to sign a backup outfielder according to Ken Rosenthal, it will be a question whether Kelenic is an Opening Day starter. With Michael Harris II locking up centerfield, whether Ronald Acuna Jr. will play right field is still to be determined. Projected to return from his torn ACL in June, the Braves cautiously aim to field their 2023 NL MVP this season. In 2024, Kelenic platooned the outfield. Others, such as Adam Duvall, Ramon Laureano, Jorge Soler, and Eli White, played in the outfield. Kelenic would appear in the starting lineup when facing right-handers. For the upcoming season, he looks to live up to the potential listed on him seven years ago as a top prospect.
More Atlanta Braves Articles
More General Baseball Articles
More MLB Articles
Main Photo:
- Categories
-
Atlanta Braves
General Baseball
