NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Jarred Kelenic hasn’t lived up to the high expectations that were placed on him when he was the top prospect the Mets used to acquire Robinson Canó and Edwin Díaz from the Mariners after the 2018 season.
But the Braves are counting on him to capitalize on the opportunity he gets next year as he looks to fill their void in left field.
The Braves opened the MLB Winter Meetings by completing a five-player trade with the Mariners on Sunday night. They received Kelenic, left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales and first baseman Evan White in exchange for right-handed pitchers Jackson Kowar and Cole Phillips.
TRADE DETAILS
Braves receive: OF Jarred Kelenic, LHP Marco Gonzales, 1B Evan White, cash considerations
Mariners receive: RHP Jackson Kowar, RHP Cole Phillips
It was a cost-saving move for the Mariners, who sent an unspecified person to take a share of the contracts of Gonzales, who is owed $12.25 million next year, and White, who is owed $15 million over the next two seasons US dollars are owed.
It remains to be seen how both might fit the Braves. Right now, it looks like Atlanta will have to cover some of its costs to give Kelenic a chance.
Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos sees potential in Kelenic sharing left field with right-hander Vaughn Grissom, who will familiarize himself with the position while playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
When asked if he believes this deal completes his search for a left fielder, Anthopoulos immediately replied, “Yes.”
“I talked to Jarred tonight and told him we really like Vaughn and feel like Vaughn really has a chance,” Anthopoulos said. “Of course we already know [Vaughn] can play the infield. We believe Jarred also has a chance to become a great player.
“We’re trying to win a World Series and [manager Brian Snitker] will be the one making the decisions about who goes out there and competes.”
Given that Grissom is unfamiliar with the outfield and would be the right part of a platoon, it’s reasonable to assume that Kelenic could spend most of his time in left field. However, Anthopoulos’ comments suggest the club is seriously considering the possibility of making Grissom its primary left fielder.
Aside from that, Kelenic has great potential. The 24-year-old was the sixth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft and No. 4 by MLB Pipeline as recently as 2021. Through his first 252 career big league games, he hit .204 with 32 home runs and a .656 OPS.
Kelenic batted .253 with 11 home runs and a .746 OPS in 416 plate appearances for the Mariners this year. His season was interrupted on July 19 when he angrily kicked a water cooler in the dugout, breaking his left foot.
“With our lineup, we’re not looking for anyone to carry the load,” Anthopoulos said. “He’s talented and we’re a little lacking in outfield depth. It has huge upside and downside potential. He’s a good defender.”
If Kelenic proves to be at least serviceable, the Braves should be happy with this cheap deal. Kowar posted a 6.43 ERA for the Royals last year and was acquired for Kyle Wright, who was dealt instead of non-tendered a few weeks ago. Phillips hasn’t pitched since undergoing Tommy John surgery shortly before the Braves took him with their second-round pick in the 2022 draft.
Gonzales posted a 5.22 ERA while making just 10 starts for the Mariners in 2023. The 31-year-old struggled with forearm problems for most of last season and underwent season-ending surgery in August to decompress a nerve in his forearm. If he’s healthy, he could slot in as Atlanta’s fifth starter.
“He is expected to be ready for the spring,” Anthopoulos said. “He’s pitched a lot of innings in the past and we’ll see how things pan out.”
The Mariners believed White could be like Matt Olson when they signed him to a six-year, $24 million contract before the 2020 season — before White had played a major league game. White, 27, has hit 10 home runs and compiled a .543 OPS in 306 career plate appearances. Because he has been plagued by injuries, he has not appeared in the majors since 2021.