The Atlanta Braves have spent much of the season adjusting their outfield mix as they try to maintain their position in the National League playoff race.
With platoons and defensive versatility becoming increasingly important, Atlanta has leaned on several different options to keep its lineup balanced alongside franchise slugger Ronald Acuna Jr.
“Mike Yastrzemski, who platoons with (Lane) Thomas in the outfield, is tasked with right-handed hitters,” Harrison Smajovits wrote for Sports Illustrated’s Atlanta Braves On SI. “Dom Smith, as a designated hitter, has the same role. Meanwhile, the Braves have an option in Mauricio Dubon, who handles all pitchers, but he is tasked with different defensive positions.”
And as the Braves continue to mix and match their current outfield options, fans have now received an update on a former option who played a big role in recent seasons but is now looking to continue his career with the New York Yankees after his latest midseason roster cut.
Former Atlanta Braves Outfielder Joins New York Yankees
After appearing in 131 games for the Braves in 2024, Jared Kelenic has struggled to stick with a major league team. Most recently, he elected free agency after being cut from the Texas Rangers roster last week.
Now he has joined the Yankees as he looks to rebuild his career.
“The Yankees have made the following roster moves affecting SWB,” the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (SWB) RailRiders announced on X. “OF Jarred Kelenic signed to a Minor League contract by NY and has been assigned to SWB.”
Kelenic originally arrived in Atlanta after the Braves acquired him from the Seattle Mariners in December 2023. The organization initially envisioned him as its starting left fielder, but a poor spring opened the door for a platoon arrangement.
Eventually, injuries elsewhere in the Braves’ outfield pushed Kelenic into a larger role. He even moved into center field and the leadoff spot during the 2024 season, although his .231/.286/.393 batting line did not establish him as a long-term fixture.
His 2025 season went even worse. Kelenic spent much of the year at Triple-A and appeared in only 24 games for Atlanta, hitting .167/.231/.300 with two home runs.
New York Yankees Outfield Leaves Little Room For Atlanta Braves Castoff
The Yankees represent a different kind of opportunity for Kelenic because their major league outfield is already crowded.
“Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Spencer Jones have become New York’s regular outfield grouping, with Heliot Ramos in a fourth outfield role and Jasson Dominguez at Triple-A,” Mark Polishuk wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “Aaron Judge‘s return from a rib fracture will further crowd the outfield picture, though Judge might get some usage at DH as the Yankees ease the superstar back into action.”
That means Kelenic is unlikely to receive an immediate major league opportunity simply because he has joined the organization. Another injury could change things though, as could the September roster expansion.
And if Kelenic does seize an opportunity with the Yankees, it will give Braves fans their first extended chance to see him action since he left Atlanta.