Eli White’s Rise: From Depth Piece to Difference Maker

Atlanta Braves outfielder Eli White (36) hits a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Eli White might be a newer name to some Braves fans that don't know him well, but his journey is anything but typical. At 30 years old, White didn’t break into the majors as a can’t-miss prospect or headline-grabbing phenom. The Clemson University alum and Greenville, South Carolina native grinded. He spent years riding buses, bouncing between Triple-A and the bigs, putting in the work and waiting for a consistent opportunity like this one.

Now that it’s here, he’s making the most of it.

The most games White has ever played in a single MLB season was 64 with the Texas Rangers back in 2021. Tonight will mark his 23rd game for the Braves, and we’re only a month into the season. That speaks to his preparation, his performance, and the fact that it’s finally his time.

While the lineup will shift once Acuña returns, it feels important for Atlanta to find a way to keep White in the mix, especially if he keeps producing at this level. You just can’t ignore good baseball, and that’s exactly what Eli White is giving the Braves. This is shaping up to be the best season of his pro career, and it feels like there's still more to come.

“I felt good in spring training and got in a good groove,” White said during an appearance today on Cellini & Dimino on 680 The Fan. “I think it’s just getting some consistent at-bats and got in a good rhythm.”

That rhythm is starting to show.

White has started seven straight games and will make it eight tonight against the Dodgers. Over the last couple of weeks, he’s turned into a spark plug, logging four doubles, a triple, and a home run on the recent road trip, flashing his elite speed and extra-base ability.

But White knows there’s more to it than just being fast.

“There is a difference between being fast and being able to really utilize that in baseball and being a good base runner,” he explained, crediting his travel ball and high school coaches for helping shape his instincts on the base paths.

And while the speed jumps off the screen, it’s been his timing in big moments that’s really stood out.

Back in the St. Louis series finale, with the game tied late, White crushed a game-winning three-run homer, one of the biggest swings of Atlanta’s early season and of his career. It wasn’t just clutch. It was a statement. He’s not just a fill-in. He’s a gamer. That kind of performance earns respect in a clubhouse.

“I feel like I have learned a ton over the last five years, going up and down in Triple-A,” White said. “I feel like a young 30 and have a lot of baseball left in me.”

The Braves seem to think so too.

Whether it’s defense, hustle plays, or just smart baseball, White has been an early-season x- factor. He’s giving Atlanta valuable innings in the outfield, allowing Brian Snitker to mix and match without losing a step. His base running has been sharp, his approach at the plate has been clean, and his energy is contagious. He’s not trying to do too much. He’s just playing his game, and right now, that’s more than enough.

First pitch tonight against the Dodgers is at 7:15 PM ET on FanDuel Sports Network and Gray TV. Tune in.