Jarred Kelenic Signs with Chicago White Sox After Mariners Stint

This article takes a closer look at the unpredictable career path of Jarred Kelenic, who was once one of baseball’s most hyped prospects. He’s now hoping to jumpstart his major-league journey with the Chicago White Sox.

After years of unmet expectations and bouncing between teams, Kelenic is banking on a fresh opportunity. He’s hoping a strong spring training can help him make an impact at the top level again.

From Can’t-Miss Prospect to Career Crossroads

Jarred Kelenic entered pro baseball with a ton of momentum. Drafted sixth overall in 2018, he climbed prospect rankings fast and looked like a future star outfielder.

That hype only grew when he became the main piece in the big trade that sent Robinson Canó and Edwin Díaz from Seattle to New York.

The expectations were enormous, but the production never consistently followed

Kelenic has struggled to turn his raw talent into steady results over five major-league seasons. In 1,488 MLB plate appearances, he’s put up a .211/.282/.376 line and struck out in nearly a third of his trips to the plate—30.8% strikeout rate.

He’s flashed some power with 49 home runs and 63 doubles, but trouble controlling the strike zone has been the story so far.

The Lost Year: Atlanta and Triple-A Struggles

The 2025 season really hurt Kelenic’s reputation around the league. Atlanta picked him up in a salary-motivated deal, and he hoped a new environment might spark something.

Neither the majors nor Triple-A provided answers

Kelenic bounced between Atlanta and Triple-A Gwinnett, but just couldn’t find his footing. In 24 games with the Braves, his numbers sank even lower:

Things stayed rough in the minors. Over 95 games at Gwinnett, he hit just .213 with four home runs and struck out 110 times.

The Braves eventually designated him for assignment. Instead of heading back to the minors, Kelenic chose free agency, which says a lot for a player who’s still only 26.

A Reminder of What’s Still Possible

Kelenic’s career hasn’t been all struggles. He actually had his best season by FanGraphs WAR in 2023 with Seattle, when he finally looked like a solid everyday player.

Injuries halted momentum at the worst possible time

That year, he hit .253/.327/.419 over 105 games, showing better discipline and some real power. Then, a weird left-foot fracture after a July 19 strikeout just derailed everything.

He couldn’t get back on track after that, and Seattle decided to move on. In a payroll-driven trade, the Mariners sent Kelenic—along with Marco Gonzales and Evan White—to Atlanta for prospects Cole Phillips and Jackson Kowar.

A Fresh Start with the White Sox

Now comes what might just be the most pivotal opportunity of Kelenic’s career.

He’s signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox, and he’s got that coveted spring-training invitation in hand.

The White Sox are rebuilding and searching for upside plays. Honestly, there’s not much risk here, but the reward? It could be huge.

For Kelenic, the mission sounds simple, but it’s a real challenge: prove he belongs.

He’s 26, so time hasn’t run out, but patience around the league is definitely wearing thin.

If he puts together a strong spring, he could make the Opening Day roster.

But if he starts slow again, well, that might just cement him as another cautionary tale of unrealized potential.

Chicago gives him another shot to change his story.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Former Mariner finds new home in Chicago