Brian Snitker, manager of the Atlanta Braves, believes that Jarred Kelenik will benefit greatly from joining a consistent pennant contender.

Snitker told the media at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Nashville, “It will be good for me to get into our group.” Although I haven’t seen him perform, I’ve spoken to others about him and they have told me how talented he is. And he’s only 24 years old.”

Kelenik, who was formerly regarded as one of baseball’s best prospects, was the centerpiece of the Braves’ earlier this week five-player trade with the Seattle Mariners. It is anticipated that he will establish himself as Atlanta’s starting left fielder, maybe in a platoon with Triple-A Gwinnett’s right-handed hitter Vaughn Grissom, who hit.330.

Former middle infielder Grissom has offered to help master left field in the

The season of the Puerto Rican Winter League begins in a few days.

Regarding the squad that topped the majors with 104 victories and a record-tying 307 home runs, Snitker stated, “I love our team, but you can always make changes that will benefit the ballclub.”

Thus far, these modifications have included bringing in hard-throwing Reynaldo Lopez, converting Grissom, adding Kelenik, and obtaining lefty reliever Aaron Bummer from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for five young players.

There will also be changes on the coaching staff; Eric Young, Sr. was taken with Ron Washington when he went to manage the Los Angeles Angels.

Although former instructors Terry Pendleton and Eddie Perez are still employed by the organization, Snitker stated that no decision has been made on their replacement.

At 68 years old, Snitker is the oldest manager in the National League and has led the team to the most recent success, with six consecutive division victories and a global championship since 2018. That is the most titles any team has won in a row.

In response to a query about why the potent Braves stopped hitting just in time to lose their second straight Division Series to the Philadelphia Phillies, who were the wild card, he remarked, “I have to find a better way to keep these guys prepared.”

“We tried everything we could last year, but it’s difficult to increase adrenaline.” The Braves earned a bye because of their superior record; they had five days off while the majority of the other postseason teams played in the Wild Card Series. Maybe they became boring, or maybe Philadelphia’s relieving corps was too strong.

Snitker praised the Phillies, saying, “They did a great job.” “In the postseason, runs are always hard to come by.”

During the majority of the current off-season, Atlanta strengthened their own bullpen.

Among other things, re-signing free agents Pierce Johnson and Joe Jimenez, activating left-hander Tyler Matzek, and trading for Bummer. Lopez might end up in the pen as well, particularly if the team deals Raisel Iglesias, their current closer, in an effort to save money.

Regarding his relief corps, Snitker remarked, “I love the arms we have.” “Jimenez is enjoying a typical six-month hiatus, and Matzek is eager to return following Tommy John elbow surgery. Despite his inability to pitch, he spent the entire previous season hanging around with his teammates.

The manager also had higher expectations for Charlie Morton, who turned 40 this year but chose to accept a $20 million club option, and starting player Bryce Elder, who made the All-Star team but struggled mightily in the second half.

for a season of farewells.

Snitker remarked of the veteran, who not only won 14 games but also acted as a mentor for the younger staff members in the clubhouse, “Not having Charlie would be a lot scarier.”

Morton and Max Fried, the left-handed ace, might be nearing the end of their tenure in Atlanta. While the latter is a free agent after 2024 and may decide to go back to his native Southern California, the former is anticipated to retire.

According to Atlanta President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves will attempt to strengthen its rotation during the remaining winter meetings, but they will not deal any of the young talents who are tied to long-term contracts, such as Ronald Acuña, Jr. and Spencer Strider.

Acuña was the baseball team’s unanimous choice.

Finalist for the National League’s Most Valuable Player award after smashing 41 home runs and robbing 73 bases, a club record. The first player to ever produce a 40–70 season was him.

The genial Atlanta pilot concluded by endorsing Jim Leyland, the only individual elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Baseball Eras Committee, which is composed of non-players whose primary contributions occurred after 1980.

Snitker said of Leyland, who similarly rose to the position of major league manager without first being a player, “I texted him right after I heard.” “He’s been through everything I have, so I’m overjoyed that he is receiving recognition.”