The Braves roster is pretty much ready to roll for the start of the 2024 season. We may see a minor tweak here or there, but the major acquisitions are likely finished.
Chris Sale helps fill out arguably the most stout rotation in baseball. Reynaldo Lopez, Joe Jimenez, Aaron Bummer, and Pierce Johnson complete a much-improved bullpen, and in left field, the Braves hope that Jarred Kelenic can revive his career and become the team’s third outfielder of the future next to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II.
Kelenic might be the most exciting acquisition of the Braves offseason because of his potential. He’s a former 6th overall pick, still just 24 years old, and really showed some signs of improvement last season. Given the Braves history of developing players offensively in recent years, there’s a chance he could be in for a significant breakout campaign this year, and he’s under contract through the 2028 season. There’s a little risk, given his inconsistencies to begin his career, but the potential reward is massive.
Recently, Jarred Kelenic appeared on Foul Territory, and what he said will not only pump fans up for his potential but also provide an even greater appreciation for Alex Anthopoulos after the two met following the trade.
“It was super refreshing cause it was just a no-bullshit kind of mentality. He just said here’s the situation, here’s how we value you, this is what we think of you, and we look forward to getting to know you more along the way, and we know that you’re going to enjoy it here. And I come from a family where it’s a no-bullshit mentality too, like I’m not afraid of the truth and I can hear it, just tell me,” said Kelenic.
“I knew after that first conversation, I was like this is going to be good for me, this is going to be great.”
"No bullshit mentality …I'm not afraid of the truth"@jarredkelenic says meeting with Alex Anthopoulos was "refreshing" and he knew instantly that being with the Braves was going to be a good situation for him.
▶️ https://t.co/hIAjGvASY3 pic.twitter.com/dtfkH5FHot
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 17, 2024
This is yet another example of Alex Anthopoulos being able to connect well with everybody — no matter their age or status. Ron Washington spoke the other day of how much he loved working for the Braves and under Anthopoulos. He’s a general manager that genuinely cares about the people in the organization, and his work ethic and dedication to winning are recognized throughout the entire system.
The Braves are a well-oiled machine because of it. Players love playing in Atlanta, and players are typically better when they are playing in Atlanta. Hopefully, Jarred Kelenic can follow in the footsteps of so many others, turning into another huge bargain for the club.
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Photo: Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire
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