Braves Acquire Jarred Kelenic and Marco Gonzales in Major Trade Move

TRADE DETAILS
Braves receive: OF Jarred Kelenic, LHP Marco Gonzales, 1B Evan White, cash considerations
Mariners receive: RHP Jackson Kowar, RHP Cole Phillips

The Braves have added former top prospect Jarred Kelenic to their roster, obtaining the outfielder who had a breakout year in 2023. Kelenic, now 24, showcased his potential with a .253/.327/.419 slash line, 11 home runs, and 13 stolen bases in 105 games.

Drafted 6th overall by the Mets in 2018, Kelenic had an impressive April, hitting .308/.366/.615 with seven home runs in 26 games. Unfortunately, a broken foot hindered his performance in the second half of the season.

Marco Gonzales, a 31-year-old left-handed pitcher with an MLB debut in 2014, ended last season with a 5.22 ERA in 10 starts before undergoing season-ending arm surgery. Evan White, a first baseman, impressed in 2020 with a Gold Glove but has been inactive in the Majors since 2021.

On the other hand, Jackson Kowar, a first-round Draft pick in 2018, has struggled at the MLB level. With a career ERA of 9.12 in 74 innings with the Royals, Kowar was traded to the Braves and represents a potential opportunity for improvement.

This trade addresses the Braves’ need for outfield depth, with Kelenic expected to fill the left field position. In addition, the Braves have also bolstered their starting pitching by adding Gonzales to their rotation. Meanwhile, Seattle acquires Kowar and Phillips as potential assets for their starting rotation.