The Atlanta Braves and manager Brian Snitker made a difficult call on Thursday, optioning outfielder Jarred Kelenic to the minors. Once expected to be a key piece of the outfield alongside Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II, the 25-year-old will now have to earn his way back to the big leagues. His spot will be filled by first-year Brave Alex Verdugo.
Kelenic is enduring his toughest season since 2023, his final year with the Mariners. After a month of struggling, the Braves decided it was time for a change. Although being demoted is never easy, Kelenic is keeping a positive outlook, according to Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“No one knows what the future holds,” Kelenic said about the move. “I know what I’m capable of, and I believe the organization does too. If I just go out there and focus on doing my job, this could turn into something really positive.”
Jarred Kelenic has already proven he belongs in the majors, so his time in the minors may be brief. Despite a cold stretch at the plate, he was one of the few steady contributors during the Braves’ rollercoaster 2024 season. His talent isn’t in question—it’s just a matter of finding his rhythm again.
In the meantime, the Braves will look to reassert themselves in the National League East. They’ve spent most of the year chasing the Mets and Phillies, but with stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, and a deep supporting cast, Atlanta still has the firepower to contend.
Brian Snitker’s club has won 9 of its last 12 games, including one they admittedly got a bit lucky with. The NL East is shaping up to be a tightly contested race, and there’s a good chance all three top teams could reach the postseason. Still, the Braves are aiming higher—they want to reclaim the division crown and head into October as champions, not just qualifiers.
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