Jarred Kelenic seemingly snubs Mariners in farewell message

Many Mariners fans did not think this was coincidental. There has been frustration and confusion over the organization’s strategy in recent years, as the club failed to capitalize on a 2022 playoff appearance by expanding payroll and adding more talent. 

One Mariners player even called the organization out publicly over their lack of aggression in acquiring elite players, especially with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, two teams that are much more known for making big moves, sharing a division with them. 

That strategy does not seem to be changing, as trades like this one mostly serve to cut payroll, even though the team has reportedly ruled itself out of chasing the market’s top prize.

Kelenic may well share those feelings, or he may think the organization harmed his development, as there was some talk about service time manipulation when he was first called up in 2021.

Kelenic is still only 24 and showed tangible improvement in 2023 by hitting .253 with 11 home runs in 105 games. A fresh start in Atlanta may be exactly what he needs.