In a swift and strategic move during the Winter Meetings, the Atlanta Braves have acquired outfielder Jarred Kelenic, left-hander Marco Gonzales, and first baseman Evan White from the Seattle Mariners. This trade, reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, involves the Braves sending right-handers Cole Phillips and Jackson Kowar to Seattle to complete the deal.
Jarred Kelenic, a 24-year-old outfielder, joins the Braves after a promising 2023 season where he played in 105 games, batting .253/.327/.419 with 11 home runs and a 108 wRC+. Despite a broken foot incident in July, Kelenic returned to action in September, showcasing his potential as a key contributor to the Braves’ outfield.
For the Mariners, this trade is characterized as a money dump, with left-hander Marco Gonzales and first baseman Evan White being part of the deal. Gonzales, who underwent season-ending surgery due to a nerve issue in his forearm, posted a 5.22 ERA and a 4.28 FIP in 10 games in 2023. Evan White, a Gold Glove winner in 2020, struggled offensively, hitting .165/.235/.308 with a 52 wRC+ in 84 career major league games. Injuries limited his playing time, and he hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2021.
As part of the trade, the Mariners are sending money back to Atlanta to help cover part of the salaries for Gonzales and White. Gonzales is set to make $12.25 million in 2024, while White is slated to earn $7 million in 2024, $8 million in 2025, with a $2 million buyout on his option for 2026.
The Braves also made adjustments to their pitching roster, sending right-hander Cole Phillips to Seattle. Phillips, a second-round pick in 2022, has yet to make his professional debut due to injury.
The Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners are in agreement on a trade that will send outfielder Jarred Kelenic, left-hander Marco Gonzales and first baseman Evan White to the Braves in exchange for right-handers Cole Phillips and Jackson Kowar, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 4, 2023
The acquisition of Kelenic, along with Gonzales and White, demonstrates the Braves’ proactive approach to addressing needs and fortifying their roster during the offseason. The success of this trade will unfold over time, as these players integrate into their new teams and contribute to the dynamics of the Braves’ lineup and the Mariners’ rebuilding efforts.
The Atlanta #Braves today acquired LHP Marco Gonzales, OF Jarred Kelenic, INF Evan White and cash considerations from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for RHP Jackson Kowar and minor-league RHP Cole Phillips: pic.twitter.com/1s5CPtFySV
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) December 4, 2023
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