Braves Bid Farewell as Kelenic, Díaz, and Dunning Seek Fresh Starts
Three players have officially departed from the Atlanta Braves organization as they embark on new chapters in their careers. On Thursday, the Braves announced that pitchers Alexis Díaz and Dane Dunning, along with outfielder Jarred Kelenic, have opted for free agency, marking the end of their stints with the team.
Roster Adjustments Amid Injuries
As the Braves navigate the offseason, they are faced with the challenging task of clearing space on the 40-man roster to accommodate returning injured players. This inevitable reshuffling has resulted in the departure of several players, including Kelenic, Díaz, and Dunning. Meanwhile, infielder Luke Williams and catcher Sandy León appear to have accepted their outright assignments, although updates will be provided should their status change.
The Braves have been dealing with a slew of injuries, particularly in the pitching department. In recent weeks, multiple players were placed on the 60-day injured list, including several starting pitchers whose seasons ended prematurely. As they look to bolster their roster for the upcoming season, the Braves need to create room for potential new acquisitions.
Kelenic’s Struggles in Atlanta
Jarred Kelenic’s journey with the Braves has been marked by disappointment. Originally acquired from the Seattle Mariners ahead of the 2024 season, Kelenic was expected to bring the promise of his former top prospect status to Atlanta. Unfortunately, his tenure did not meet expectations. Over two seasons, he struggled significantly, posting a .222 batting average with a .660 OPS, 17 home runs, and 47 RBIs across 155 games. His final at-bat in a Braves uniform came in April, and he last appeared in July as a pinch runner. A demotion to Triple-A only compounded his difficulties, as he managed a mere .213 average with a .595 OPS in 95 games with Gwinnett. By opting for free agency, Kelenic is seeking a fresh start, a chance to rediscover the talent that once made him a highly regarded prospect.
Dunning and Díaz’s Short-lived Contributions
Dane Dunning’s role with the Braves was primarily as a long reliever during his brief Major League tenure. Over seven appearances, he struggled with a 10.80 ERA in 10 innings. Acquired from the Texas Rangers just before the trade deadline, Dunning’s contributions were limited, prompting both parties to seek new opportunities.
Alexis Díaz, who joined the Braves via the waiver wire from the Dodgers in early September, also had a short stint. In three appearances, he allowed four runs, three of which were earned, over 2 2/3 innings pitched. His time with the Braves did not leave a lasting impact, leading to his decision to enter free agency.
As the Braves move forward, the departures of Kelenic, Díaz, and Dunning illustrate the challenges teams face in balancing roster dynamics, injuries, and player performance. Each of these players now looks ahead, hoping to find renewed success elsewhere as they embark on their next journeys in professional baseball.
