Atlanta Braves News: The Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners completed a five-player deal last night, kicking off the winter meetings in style. The Braves were in need of a left field bat and that mission is now accomplished.

The Braves sent Jackson Kowar and Cole Phillips to the Mariners in exchange for Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales, and Evan White.

Braves get Jarred Kelenic

The marquee name in the deal is Jarred Kelenic, who was recently one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Kelenic and Vaughn Grissom will compete for playing time or potentially platoon in left. It should be interesting to see how that shakes out during spring training.

Braves get Marco Gonzales

Marco Gonzales is a veteran starting pitcher who could help fill out the rear-end of the rotation. Gonzales is the sort of pitching the depth the Braves need. He’s not a frontline starter but he’s been a very solid pitcher for the majority of his 9-year career.

Braves get Evan White

Evan White was signed to a curiously risky contract by the Mariners prior to 2020. White had never played in the big leagues and was still in Double-A when he signed a six-year, $24 million contract. Sports Illustrated’s article about how risky the signing was has proven to be prophetic.

White and Gonzales are a part of a salary dump for the Mariners, who have traded Eugenio Suarez this offseason. We know the Mariners are sending some cash considerations to help cover White and Gonzalez’s contracts.

Kelenic is coming off of his best major-league season. It was ended by a self-inflicted injury when he kicked a water cooler. In 105 games in 2023, Kelenic batted .253 with 11 homers, 49 RBI, 13 steals, 41 walks, and 25 doubles.

The deal give the Braves pitching depth for the rotation and a high-upside option in left field without giving up any top prospects.