Ronald Acuña Jr. is one of the most indispensable players in Major League Baseball, yet the Atlanta Braves must navigate the rest of the 2024 season without him.
Filling his shoes has been challenging, especially in right field where Acuña played all 162 games during his 2023 MVP season. However, the bigger issue is determining the ideal leadoff hitter for the team moving forward.
Jarred Kelenic, who has generally performed well in his debut season with the Braves, has hit a rough patch. He entered the All-Star break on an 0-for-19 slump, dropping his season on-base percentage to .303, which is far from ideal for a leadoff hitter.
David O’Brien, the Braves beat reporter for The Athletic, noted that the team faces a decision between Kelenic and the currently injured center fielder Michael Harris II for the leadoff spot once Harris returns to health.
“It’s uncertain what the Braves will decide for that role, but if Kelenic continues to struggle, Harris might take over leadoff duties,” O’Brien mentioned.
Harris, who also took on the leadoff spot after Acuña’s injury, showed improvement at the plate before his own injury. Nevertheless, this has been a challenging offensive year for him. The Braves might eventually need to explore options beyond their current roster.
The team has been linked to Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins in various trade rumors, with MLB insider Jim Bowden mentioning this possibility on Wednesday. If Atlanta is reconsidering their leadoff hitter, Chisholm seems like a suitable candidate.
With Miami showcasing Chisholm at second base, a trade appears increasingly likely. His versatility could benefit Atlanta, especially if Chisholm or Ozzie Albies can cover shortstop, given that starter Orlando Arcia has been the least effective hitter in MLB this season.
Regardless, the Braves face numerous challenges, trailing the rival Philadelphia Phillies by nine games at the break. Trading for Chisholm is just one potential strategy to strengthen the team as they seek to overcome their postseason setbacks against Philadelphia.
