The Atlanta Braves are facing an interesting decision putting together a starting outfield for the first month of the 2025 season. Jurickson Profar and Michael Harris are expected to take two of the starting roles with the team searching for a third option. Ronald Acuna Jr. isn't expected to be ready for the first weeks of the season leaving the Braves hosting an extended tryout for the fourth outfielder role.
Throughout the spring it has been Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz competing to take the early starting role. Both have been solid but there is no denying that De La Cruz has been more consistently impressive. After Kelenic's rough end to the 2024 season, it would be surprising not to see De La Cruz garner more early starts. Kelenic hasn't been as consistent in spring either despite being handed a second chance due to Acuna's injury.
Bryan De La Cruz Appears to Have Won a Spot in the Braves Opening Day Lineup
Kelenic is still going to be given a chance to prove he can be a contributor to the 2025 roster. However, if the Braves are factoring in spring performance whatsoever, they are going to give Kelenic the smaller role.
Atlanta fans are likely familiar with Cruz from the outfielder's time in Miami. Cruz spent four seasons with the Marlins before a move to the Pirates last season. The veteran is a career .253 hitter with average power. His bat unquestionably has more upside in Atlanta's lineup than Kelenic. With Profar being a switch-hitter and Michael Harris a lefty there could be more value in having Cruz on the active roster.
The veteran offers more power than Jarred Kelenic as well, making him the clearly superior pinch-hitting option. Watching how Atlanta manages the outfield and rotation as they await the returns of Acuna and Spencer Strider will define the first month of the season.
For a team that is far too used to managing key injuries, it won't be any more of a challenge than the 2024 season. Bryan De La Cruz has a second chance in the NL East to cement himself as a starting option and an important piece for the 2025 Atlanta Braves.