2 savvy Braves roster moves the Mets should try to replicate for 2025, 1 they should avoid

The Mets should avoid making a trade like the one the Braves did for Jarred Kelenic

As if the Braves weren’t busy enough adding to an already seemingly loaded roster, they also happened to land former Mets first round pick Jarred Kelenic in a trade with the Seattle Mariners. Still very early on in his career, Kelenic has shown very little consistency since debuting in 2021. He is essentially a platoon player unusable against left-handed pitchers. There isn’t much he does very well. Even with a chance to get hidden against the pitchers he struggles against, Kelenic turned in only a .231/.286/.393 slash line during year one with the Braves.

Maybe it was a worthwhile risk to take for a Braves team in need of some less expensive outfield help. Were the troubles Kelenic faced in Seattle the result of the ballpark or maybe coaching? Adding him into the frightening Braves lineup was sure to get him started.

Unfortunately for the Braves, struggles at the plate were contagious. Kelenic started off red hot then cooled off in the second half. He batted only .183/.252/.343 after the All-Star Break.

The Mets should avoid the addition of any young player who hasn’t found a permanent spot in the majors just yet. Why? They already have a whole army in the minors coming up. It doesn’t matter if the players the Braves gave up achieve nothing in the majors. There were much better solutions to their left field vacancy. Unbelievably, Kelenic’s platoon partner, Adam Duvall, had an even worse season. It made their platoon plan an even bigger mistake.