Braves Sign Eddie Rosario, Option Jarred Kelenic to Triple-A

Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Braves announced Monday that they have signed veteran outfielder Eddie Rosario to a major league contract. To make room, the team optioned fellow outfielder Jarred Kelenic to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Kelenic’s demotion comes following a disappointing start to the season. The 25-year-old has struggled significantly, hitting just .167 with a .231 on-base percentage and a .300 slugging percentage over 65 plate appearances—striking out 23 times, a rate of 35.4%. His performance has been particularly alarming given that he faced left-handed pitchers only six times this season, managing no hits and four strikeouts in those encounters.

The Braves acquired Kelenic from the Seattle Mariners during a series of complex trades in the 2023-24 offseason, in which they also took on several underwater contracts. As a result, they absorbed over $20 million in that series of deals, which has not yet yielded the expected returns. Kelenic’s offensive performance has declined, and he has recorded a .222 average, .279 on-base percentage, and a .381 slugging percentage since joining Atlanta.

Rosario returns to the Braves for a fifth season, having previously played a critical role in their 2021 World Series victory. He was back on the market after a brief stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he failed to make a significant impact. The Braves hope he can provide a boost, as their outfield currently struggles with a combined -0.6 fWAR, and Kelenic could benefit from a reset in Triple-A.

Rosario’s previous seasons have been inconsistent, with a dismal .175 batting average last year and average production in 2023. Atlanta’s management is eager for him to rekindle his playoff form. He could platoon with the right-handed hitting Kelenic while awaiting Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return from the injured list.

The Braves continue to shuffle their roster in an effort to find players that can contribute effectively. Kelenic’s departure marks yet another attempt to remedy a disappointing start to the season, as the team currently sits in last place in the NL East.