The Braves have solely performed two video games within the younger MLB season, however a giant motive why they’re 2-0 is the contributions of 24-year-old Jarred Kelenic, who was delivered to Atlanta by way of a commerce with the Seattle Mariners in December of 2023.
After going 1-2 in Friday’s season-opening win towards the Phillies, Kelenic caught hearth on Saturday, going 3-4 on the plate with a stroll and making a spectacular defensive play as nicely.
For a Braves group that has a deeper lineup than any in baseball, the nice shock of Kelenic’s scorching begin solely makes the most effective offense in baseball that a lot better.
No matter what occurs in tomorrow afternoon’s collection finale, Kelenic’s opening weekend in Philadelphia ought to be thought of a large success for a participant who was the most important offensive unknown on the group heading into the season.
That distinction shouldn’t be essentially a knock on Kelenic, however moderately, one other instance of how good the Braves offense is – and the way a lot better it may be if Kelenic continues to be a constant contributor.
Kelenic clearly will not be capable to hold his .667 common up all season, but when he develops right into a participant who will get on base each evening, he’ll be a pleasant addition to a Braves group that wants a scrappy participant to finish its lineup.
Kelenic is coming off the most effective season of his main league profession in 2023. After batting beneath the dreaded Mendoza line in 2021 and 2022, he hit a stable .253 in 2023, with 11 dwelling runs and 49 RBI. Plainly Kelenic is poised for the most effective season of his younger profession with an Atlanta group that’s certain to as soon as extra be the most effective in baseball.
Time will finally inform if the Kelenic commerce is an general success for the Braves group, however he is already proving his value on his first weekend with the group.
