Braves’ Breakout Players and Biggest Disappointments Early in the 2024 Season

The Atlanta Braves didn’t need many adjustments to their already strong roster during the offseason, but signing Reynaldo López as a free agent is proving to be one of their smartest moves. His successful transition back to a starting role after years in relief has bolstered the rotation alongside trade acquisition Chris Sale. While these deals have been highly beneficial, the same can’t be said for another offseason trade.

Outfielder Jarred Kelenic, who showed promise last season with the Seattle Mariners, has regressed in his first year with the Braves.

Here, we examine these two players as the biggest breakout and biggest disappointment so far, and also highlight a player enjoying a more under-the-radar breakout.

Under-the-Radar Breakout: LHP Dylan Lee

With A.J. Minter coming off a strong season, Tyler Matzek returning to health, and Aaron Bummer acquired from the Chicago White Sox during the offseason, Dylan Lee started the year as the fourth lefty bullpen option for Atlanta.

The 29-year-old had an impressive 2.13 ERA in 46 appearances during his first extended major league action in 2022, but struggled last year with a 4.18 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 24 games.

Although primarily pitching in low-leverage middle relief this season, Lee has been one of the team’s most effective relievers, posting a 1.27 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 8.0 K/9 with two holds in 13 appearances.

With club control through 2028, he is quietly emerging as a valuable long-term asset.

Biggest Disappointment: OF Jarred Kelenic

Jarred Kelenic was the No. 4 prospect in baseball at the beginning of the 2021 season but struggled in the majors, batting .168 with a 66 OPS+ over 558 plate appearances in 2021 and 2022.

Last season, the 24-year-old showed improvement, recording a 109 OPS+ with 25 doubles, 11 home runs, 49 RBI, and 2.0 WAR in 105 games, though he missed seven weeks due to a fractured foot sustained from kicking a water cooler.

During the offseason, the Mariners traded Kelenic, along with Evan White, in a salary dump that brought pitching prospect Cole Phillips to Seattle.

Expected to take over as the primary left fielder from Eddie Rosario, Kelenic is currently hitting just .248/.295/.352 with an 83 OPS+, seven extra-base hits, and a 33.9 percent strikeout rate in 112 plate appearances.

Biggest Breakout: RHP Reynaldo López

If one were to rank the best moves of the 2023-24 offseason, the three-year, $30 million contract given to Reynaldo López would be a standout choice.

Once a top prospect for the Washington Nationals and a promising starter for the Chicago White Sox, the 30-year-old’s career stalled, and he spent most of the last three seasons as a reliever.

Last year, López posted a 3.27 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 11.3 K/9 with six saves and 22 holds in 68 games. The Braves signed him intending to return him to a starting role, and the results have been outstanding.

In eight starts, he has recorded a 1.54 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 44 strikeouts in 46.2 innings. His 2.91 FIP suggests his strong performance is likely sustainable.

Read More Here