The recent addition to the Atlanta Braves discloses that Alex Anthopoulos employed a straightforward and no-nonsense approach during the signing process.
One of the most significant offseason moves orchestrated by Alex Anthopoulos in preparation for the 2024 season was acquiring 24-year-old Jarred Kelenic from the Seattle Mariners. With the departure of 2021 NLCS hero Eddie Rosario after the 2023 season, the Braves were in need of a power-hitting corner outfielder. Anthopoulos addressed this need on December 3rd by trading Cole Phillips and Jackson Kowar to the Mariners in exchange for Marco Gonzalez, Jarred Kelenic, and Evan White.
During a recent appearance on Foul Territory’s podcast on YouTube, Kelenic shared his experience of meeting with Anthopoulos for the first time. He described the encounter as refreshing, highlighting Anthopoulos’s straightforward and no-nonsense approach. According to Kelenic, Anthopoulos candidly presented the situation, expressed how the Braves valued him, and conveyed their expectations, fostering a sense of openness and honesty. Coming from a family with a similar no-nonsense mentality, Kelenic appreciated the transparency and knew right away that this opportunity with the Braves would be beneficial for him.
Despite Kelenic’s impressive performance last season with the Mariners before a broken foot landed him on the injured list, the Braves have faith in his abilities. Anthopoulos sees Kelenic as the starting left fielder, expressing confidence in his potential to live up to the expectations that have surrounded his career. The move to Atlanta offers Kelenic a clean slate, and there is anticipation for the success he can achieve in the 2024 season.
