SEATTLE — The Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Jarred Kelenic, pitcher Marco Gonzales and infielder Evan White from the Seattle Mariners on Sunday night in exchange for right-handed pitchers Cole Phillips and Jackson Kowar.
The move added a veteran left-hander to the Braves’ pitching staff, alongside Kelenic, who was at one time one of the best young prospects in baseball.
In the process, Seattle cut some of his salary, giving up Kelenic for the Braves to take on the contracts of Gonzales and White.
Seattle sends money to Atlanta as part of the trade.
Gonzales is owed $12 million for the 2024 season, while White has $17 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract.
“As we continue to work this offseason with the goal of improving our team for 2024 and beyond, we believe the additions of Jackson Kowar and Cole Phillips, as well as the roster and payroll flexibility created tonight will bring us closer to that goal. “said Jerry Dipoto, Seattle’s president of baseball operations, in a statement.
Jarred Kelenic catches a fly ball hit by Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) during the first inning at Globe Life Field. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Kelenic is the big piece going to Atlanta in the deal.
Once a prized prospect in the New York Mets organization, Kelenic was traded to Seattle in December 2018 when the Mariners sent Robinson Cano and Edwin Díaz to the Mets.
At the time, Kelenic was one of the top prospects in the minors, but his transition to the majors went through some rough patches.
Last season was Kelenic’s first extended stint as a starter with the Mariners and even that season he experienced growing pains when he missed almost two months after fracturing his foot kicking a kick in a cooler in the dugout.
Kelenic finished the season hitting .253 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs in 105 games.
Jarred Kelenic, the Mets’ first overall pick in the 2018 draft, talks with Mets assistant general manager John Ricco during batting practice. Getty Images
Gonzales was the longest-tenured member of Seattle’s roster after being acquired via trade from St. Louis in 2017.
For a time, he was at the top of Seattle’s rotation before struggling over the past two seasons.
Gonzales, 31, started 148 games in seven seasons with Seattle and had a 4.08 ERA during that time.
Gonzales only pitched in 10 games last season before undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on a nerve in his left arm.
He should be ready for the start of spring training.
White, 27, has seen his career defined by injuries since agreeing to a six-year, $24 million contract in November 2019 before his big league debut.
Marco Gonzales delivers a pitch during the fifth inning of the game against the Oakland Athletics. Getty Images
He won a Gold Glove during the truncated 2020 season for his play at first base, but was unable to stay healthy in the years since.
White has not played in the majors since appearing in 30 matches during the 2021 season.
He is owed $7 million next year and $8 million in 2025, plus a $2 million buyout of a club option for 2026.
Kowar, 27, has major league experience and pitched 23 games as a reliever for Kansas City last season.
But Phillips is the trade piece that could be useful in the future for Seattle.
The 20-year-old was a second-round pick in the 2022 draft and was a top-10 prospect in the Atlanta farm system, although he has yet to appear in a professional game.
Evan White at bat against the Baltimore Orioles at T-Mobile Park. Getty Images
Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery before the 2022 draft and has yet to make his professional debut.
Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos told Atlanta media during a conference call that the trade is completing its search for a left fielder to replace Eddie Rosario, whose $9 million club option was refused.
Kelencic will have a chance to fill that position with infielder Vaughn Grissom, who will begin learning how to play the field in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
Grissom struggled defensively as a shortstop but showed promising offensive skills, so the Braves are trying to find a way to work his bat into the lineup.
The right-handed hitter could find himself in a left-field platoon with Kelenic, who hits from the left side, while also moving back to the middle of the infield.
Gonzales provides another back-end option for a rotation that has struggled to lock down a full complement of pitchers during an injury-plagued 2023 season.
The Braves are also looking to give free agent Reynaldo López a chance to start after working exclusively as a reliever the past two seasons, although those plans could change if Anthopoulos is able to acquire another first-line starter to join a rotation that also includes Spencer Strider, Max Fried, Charlie Morton and Bryce Elder.
2023-12-04 08:18:26
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