The Atlanta Braves won’t have Ronald Acuna Jr. until later in the season. He is expected to return sometime in the first two months. In the meantime, the Braves will lean on Jarred Kelenic to hold down the fort in right field until the former MVP can make his glorious return.
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Jarred Kelenic Hits Leadoff in First Spring Training Game for Atlanta Braves
Kelenic went one for three with one strikeout in his spring debut yesterday. His lone hit was a double off of Twins right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews.
The Braves lost 1-3 to the Minnesota Twins. Chris Sale pitched two scoreless innings and Bryce Elder followed with two scoreless of his own.
Atlanta Braves Need Kelenic in Acuna’s Absence
Manager Brian Snitker said about Kelenic, “We’re going to need him to be a big player for us till we get Ronald back. Then, at some point in time, we’ll see where we’re at.”
Last offseason, the Braves made a series of moves and ended up spending $17 million to acquire Jarred Kelenic, who is under team control through 2028.
Last season was a clear step backward for Kelenic. In 2023 he showed some promise of living up to the prospect hype that made him the fourth-best prospect in baseball at one point. That year he hit .253 with 11 homers and 13 steals in 416 plate appearances. His .746 OPS was easily the highest of his four-year career.
Kelenic finished last season with a .679 OPS, slashing .231/.286/.393. He hit 15 homers in 449 plate appearances and stole seven bases. He struck out in 29.6% of his plate appearances.
Jarred Kelenic Played Through Injuries in 2025
It was recently reported by Justin Toscano of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution that Kelenic played through injuries during most of 2024 which may have affected his production.
Hopefully, a healthy Kelenic and redirect the trajectory of his career in 2025 and help the Braves fill the gap until Acuna returns. Once Acuna returns, he may not be able to play every day, it’s likely the club will need to rely on Kelenic to be a steady contributor throughout the year.
Do you think Kelenic will improve in 2025? Let us know in the comments.
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