White Sox make bold move by signing Jarred Kelenic to minor league deal
The Chicago White Sox have made a surprising yet intriguing decision by signing outfielder Jarred Kelenic to a minor league contract. This former first-round pick, who has struggled to find his footing in the majors, represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the franchise. As reported, Kelenic will join the White Sox as a non-roster invitee to spring training, meaning he won’t occupy a spot on the full 40-man roster, which recently expanded with the addition of Japanese star Munetaka Murakami.
The Kelenic Profile
At just 26 years old, Kelenic stands at 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 206 pounds. His left-handed bat has seen action in at least 70 major league games across all three outfield positions. Kelenic’s journey in baseball began when the New York Mets selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, choosing him out of Waukesha High School in Wisconsin. However, just months later, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in a blockbuster deal that sent Edwin Díaz and Robinson Cano to New York, a move that reflected high hopes for both teams.
Early Promise and Struggles
Kelenic made his MLB debut with Seattle in 2021, entering the league with significant expectations. At that time, he was ranked as the fourth-best prospect in all of baseball by MLB.com, trailing only notable names like Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. His first taste of the big leagues showcased his potential, as he launched 14 home runs in 93 games. However, his debut season was marred by a troubling 31.4% strikeout rate and a .181 batting average.
The following season in 2022 saw Kelenic appear in just 54 games, where he again struggled with similar batting stats. Nevertheless, he found success at the Triple-A level, posting an OPS over .900 for the second consecutive year, hinting at the talent that still lay beneath the surface.
A Breakthrough Year?
Kelenic’s 2023 season represented a turning point, as he recorded career-high numbers across the board. He slashed .253/.327/.419, accumulating 2.1 wins above replacement in 416 plate appearances. Yet, despite the apparent progress, his strikeout rate stubbornly persisted at 31.7%, ranking him 11th in MLB among hitters with at least 400 plate appearances.
The following December, Kelenic was traded to the Atlanta Braves in a deal that also involved left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales and first baseman Evan White. Kelenic’s time with the Braves in 2024 provided a glimpse of his potential, as he belted 15 home runs in 131 games, though his strikeout rate remained a concern at 29.6%.
Looking Ahead
Now, as Kelenic joins the White Sox, both the player and the franchise hope that this fresh start can reignite his once-promising career. With the right guidance and an opportunity to refine his skills, Kelenic could become a valuable asset for a team looking to rebuild and reclaim its competitive edge in the league.
