Atlanta Braves Outfield Puzzle: How Jared Kelenic, Brian De La Cruz, and Others Fit into the 2025 Roster

As the Atlanta Braves prepare for the 2025 season, their outfield depth remains a key storyline. With Ronald Acuña Jr. sidelined to start the year, Jared Kelenic is slated to take over in right field, but his uncertain offensive production raises questions about his long-term role.

As the Atlanta Braves finalize their roster for the 2025 season, the outfield picture remains a focal point. With Ronald Acuña Jr. sidelined to start the year, Jared Kelenic is expected to take over right field. However, his low offensive projections raise questions about his long-term role, leaving room for potential adjustments as the season unfolds.

Kelenic’s performance in the early months will be a key factor in determining whether he solidifies his spot or if the Braves turn to alternatives. One such option is Brian De La Cruz, who is projected to start the season in Triple-A Gwinnett but could be called up if Kelenic struggles. De La Cruz has remaining minor-league options, making him a flexible depth piece should the Braves seek an offensive spark.

Meanwhile, Eli White is expected to serve as the team’s fourth outfielder, primarily due to his defensive versatility. While his offensive projections are modest, White’s ability to cover all three outfield spots and his lack of minor-league options make him a likely inclusion on the Opening Day roster.

Beyond the immediate roster, Carlos Rodriguez and Connor Capel are set to begin the season in Gwinnett. Rodriguez has minor-league options, while Capel is on a non-roster deal, giving the Braves additional flexibility should they need reinforcements later in the season.

Ultimately, the Braves’ outfield depth will be tested early in 2025. Kelenic’s ability to step up in Acuña’s absence, De La Cruz’s readiness for a call-up, and White’s defensive reliability will all play a role in shaping the team’s outfield strategy as they navigate the first half of the season.

 

Related Posts

🚨 MLB INSIDE RESET: The White Sox’s newly assembled coaching staff is raising quiet but serious questions across the league, as subtle hires, shifted responsibilities, and a clear change in philosophy hint at a deeper organizational reset. What looks like routine restructuring on the surface may actually signal a long term plan that hasn’t been fully explained yet — and insiders believe the real impact will only become clear once the season pressure hits.

The Chicago White Sox have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 season following sweeping changes made at the end of September.

🚨 MLB INSIDE TRADE RUMBLINGS: The Braves are suddenly being linked to a bold trade for a $6 million NL rival left hander, a move insiders say could quietly solve multiple problems at once and even position him as a long term heir to Chris Sale. What looks like a low risk deal on paper may actually hide a far bigger plan, with Atlanta reportedly intrigued by a dynamic arsenal that hasn’t fully been unlocked yet — and the timing of this rumor is raising serious eyebrows across the league.

The Braves could go after a young star.

🚨 MLB INSIDE STORM BREWING: As hopes of an Alex Bregman return quietly fade, a new projection suggests the Red Sox may be preparing a jaw dropping $186 million swing for Bo Bichette, a move insiders believe could redefine Boston’s future in one bold stroke. What once seemed unrealistic is now gaining traction behind the scenes, and if this prediction turns real, the ripple effect could shock the AL East and completely change how this offseason is remembered.

A former MLB executive now believes that the Boston Red Sox will land coveted free agent infielder Bo Bichette from Toronto.

🚨 MLB INSIDE WHISPERS: Something big is quietly brewing behind closed doors in New York, as new projections hint the Yankees may be lining up an elite shortstop signing that goes far beyond a normal free-agency move. What started as a low-key prediction is now being viewed as a potential power shift, with insiders suggesting this decision could redefine the Yankees’ identity and force the entire American League to adjust sooner than expected.

The New York Yankees haven’t done much during the offseason, but MLB rumors continue to swirl. New York has been […]

Cubs Predicted To Land Marquee Free Agent Starting Pitcher On Six-Year Contract

The Cubs are in the market for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, and David Schoenfield of ESPN predicted them to land Framber Valdez, previously of the Houston Astros.

🚨 INSIDE NFL REVELATION: The Packers reportedly had a stunning opportunity to sign an all time great for just $5 million, yet chose to walk away without even making a free agent offer — a quiet decision that is now raising serious questions inside the fanbase and league circles alike. What seemed insignificant at the time is suddenly being revisited as a potential turning point, with insiders suggesting this missed move could have changed far more than anyone realized.

Green Bay missed an opportunity.