Outfielder Jarred Kelenic has been given a second chance after last season's frustrations. Many expected the Braves to part ways with Kelenic in the offseason. Atlanta was unable to rely on the outfielder when they were desperate for anything close to capable offensive production from the position. This in itself has placed Kelenic on thin ice heading into the season.
Add an underwhelming spring and there is reason to wonder how long Kelenic will be able to stick in Atlanta.
Not only do the Braves have the pending return of Ronald Acuna Jr. to consider, but the team recently signed Alex Verdugo as a potential 4th outfielder. Add in Bryan De La Cruz outplaying Kelenic this spring, and the margin for error is incredibly thin. If Atlanta isn't impressed with the outfielder's early production, they have two clear reasons to make a change.
Jarred Kelenic Must Have a Strong Start to 2025 to Remain in Atlanta
It isn't just Kelenic's baggage from the 2024 season that requires a strong start from the outfielder. Cruz has been more impressive for the Braves throughout the spring and projects to be the superior pinch-hitting option once Acuna returns. Even if this doesn't prove to be the case, Alex Verdugo has been a consistent offensive producer throughout his career. The truly awful 2024 season with the Yankees was the clear outlier.
Verdugo has more proven upside, leaving plenty of reason for the team to want to give the veteran an early look. The fact that the team signed Verdugo in the first place suggests a lack of trust in the duo of Kelenic and Cruz. Verdugo is going to need time to prepare for the regular season, having missed spring training, but should be ready ahead of Acuna's timeline to return.
With all of this in mind, the pressure is on for Kelenic to carve out an early role and his solid defense isn't going to be enough. With existing offensive question marks in Orlando Arcia and Drake Baldwin, the Braves need consistent offensive production from their starting outfield. If Kelenic wants to remain in Atlanta that must start from Opening Day and continue into the first weeks of the season.