Ronald Acuña Jr. is one of the most irreplaceable players in Major League Baseball. But for the remainder of the 2024 season, the Atlanta Braves have been tasked with replacing him.
It has been difficult enough to find a consistent presence in right field, where Acuña played all 162 games in his 2023 MVP campaign. But perhaps more importantly, the Braves aren't certain who their best option in the leadoff spot might be the rest of the way.
Jarred Kelenic, who has generally done well in his first year with the Braves, has been ice-cold for the past week. He limped into the All-Star break on an 0-for-19 stretch and saw his season on-base percentage dip to .303, hardly what you'd want from a table-setter.
David O'Brien, the Braves beat reporter for The Athletic, reported Sunday that the Braves would have a choice to make between Kelenic and injured center fielder Michael Harris II for the leadoff spot once Harris is healthy.
"It’s not clear yet what the Braves will do with that role, but if Kelenic were to continue struggling, it might be that Harris also resumes leadoff duties," O'Brien said.
Harris, too, saw some time in the leadoff spot this year after Acuña's injury. His bat came around a bit before his own injury, but in general, this has been a down year offensively for Harris. At some point, the Braves may have to consider options outside the current roster.
The Braves have been connected to Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins in various trade rumors, most recently by MLB insider Jim Bowden on Wednesday. If Atlanta is indeed rethinking the leadoff spot in its order, it only seems natural that Chisholm would be a fit.
Given Miami's decision to showcase him at second base, it seems increasingly likely Chisholm will be traded. That versatility could also help Atlanta if Chisholm or Ozzie Albies can play shortstop since starter Orlando Arcia is the worst qualified hitter in MLB this season.
In any case, the Braves have a lot on their plate, with a nine-game deficit to the rival Philadelphia Phillies heading into the break. Trading for Chisholm is just one option to improve the team as the Braves look to avenge their postseason frustrations against Philadelphia.
More MLB: Why Nationals trade Saturday is good news for Braves outfield shortage
