Jarred Kelinic is preparing to join Braves by saying the right things.
The Braves have not made significant offseason moves, focusing on margins by re-signing some players and acquiring two under-the-radar acquisitions that could potentially add more value to the club than anticipated.
Reynaldo Lopez signed a three-year deal with the Braves, adding velocity and versatility to Atlanta’s strong bullpen. However, former 6th overall selection Jarred Kelenic is likely to have the most significant impact among this winter’s acquisitions. Kelenic, originally drafted sixth overall by the Mets, faced pressure when included in a trade to the Mariners for star closer Edwin Diaz. Seattle’s market size is smaller, but Kelenic hasn’t handled unrealistic expectations well early in his career. In his first two seasons with the Mariners, he hit just.168 with 21 homers over 147 games. However, things started to turn for him in year three, with a.309 OPS in his first 28 games. However, Kelenic started reverting back to his old ways, leading to a broken foot after kicking a water cooler out of frustration. This realization led to Kelenic realizing the need to change his approach if he wanted to continue his major-league dream.
Jarred Kelenic, a former Seattle Mariners player, is excited to return to Atlanta, where he will be surrounded by All-Star talent and a good organization. The Braves don’t need Kelenic to be a superstar, but they expect him to fit into the clubhouse, come to work everyday prepared, blast a few homers, and play good defense in left field. If Kelenic can do that, he will be a cheaper version of Eddie Rosario. Anything more than that is gravy, which should take a lot of pressure off the player and allow him to have fun playing a kid’s game again. Kelenic has always wanted to play in the big leagues, and now he is in Atlanta. He feels that being back on a field and playing again has made him appreciate the game more and appreciate the opportunity to be back on the field. The Braves’ success in Atlanta will allow Kelenic to have fun playing a kid’s game again.
Blockbuster signings often win the offseason, but World Series are won through margin improvements. Alex Anthopoulos excels at ensuring a 1% better roster, and he may have just struck gold with Jarred Kelenic.
