Braves Acquire Outfielder Jarred Kelenic in Five Player Trade with Mariners
Photo Credits: Ron Schwane/AP Photo
The Atlanta Braves continue to stay busy this offseason as they made another trade, but this time for young Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic. The full deal included outfielder Jarred Kelenic, left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales, first basemen Evan White, and cash considerations going to the Braves in exchange for right-handed pitchers Jackson Kowar and Cole Phillips. Kelenic is coming off his best season of his three-year career. Playing in 105 games, Kelenic had 372 at-bats with a batting average of .253, 11 home runs, and 49 runs batted in (RBI). Kelenic also had an on-base plus slugging (OBP) percentage of .746 and picked up 13 stolen bases. It’s likely with the addition of Kelenic that Marcell Ozuna will move permanently to designated hitter, and Kelenic will become the Braves’ everyday left fielder. With being only three years into his career, Kelenic has yet to hit arbitration. This is vital for the Braves as Kelenic is only making 729,400 dollars a year and won’t become a free agent until the 2029 offseason. The trade for Kelenic is not only to improve for next year but also a player they have for the foreseeable future.
Photo Credits: Steph Chambers/Getty Images
The Braves also acquired left-handed starting pitcher Marco Gonzales who struggled last season in limited action. Gonzales appeared in ten games, threw 50 innings, had an ERA of 5.22, a WHIP of 1.46, and struck out 34 batters. Last season wasn’t a one-off for Gonzales as he’s had above a 3.95 ERA in nine of his ten seasons in the Majors. Gonzales is owed 12 million dollars next season followed by a 15-million-dollar club option in 2025. With the Braves already having five starting pitchers, it’s been reported by Ken Rosenthal that the Braves do not plan on keeping Marco Gonzales and are expected to include him in another deal.
Photo Credits: Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Now taking a look at first basemen Evan White, White hasn’t played in the majors since 2021 and when he did play it wasn’t much. In his short career thus far, White has played in 84 games, in those games White has a batting average of .165 with ten home runs and 35 runs batted in. It appears White will likely start next season down in triple-A like he was the past two seasons in hopes of getting another opportunity in the big leagues.
Photo Credits: Charlie Riedel/AP Photo
On the other side, the Mariners acquired RHP Jackson Kowar who has pitched in limited action the past three seasons for the Kansas City Royals. Last season in 23 games, Kowar had an ERA of 6.43 over 28 innings pitched. Kowar also struck out 29 batters and had a WHIP of 1.93. Even with a rough year last year, Kowar has improved each season as he had a staggering 11.27 ERA in 2021 and a 9.77 ERA in 2022. The Mariners will hope he continues this trajectory so that eventually down the line Kowar could be a key piece of their bullpen.
Photo Credits: Allison Poole
In addition to Kowar, the Mariners acquired RHP Cole Phillips. Phillips a second-round pick in 2022 has yet to pitch a game as he’s been recovering from Tommy John surgery. At just 20 years old Phillips has the potential to be big league pitcher. Prior to his surgery, Phillips had a fastball with running action that would sit from 95-99 and could touch 100 at times. His breaking pitch is a curve ball with depth that Phillips will throw up to 85 mph. The biggest question now is whether Phillips is going to be able to retain his quality of pitching. Then if he is, how will it compete with minor-league hitters? Phillips has more questions than answers as he has yet to make an appearance since being drafted. Nevertheless, the potential upside with his combination of pitches and being just 20 years old, should bring optimism and excitement to fans as Phillips has plenty of time to grow.
With Winter Meetings starting this week these trades could be just the beginning. It appears the Braves have no intentions of slowing down and will continue to be aggressive this offseason. The addition of Jarred Kelenic will provide the Braves with consistent fielding in left while also having the potential to be an impact player at the plate.
