The Chicago White Sox have thrown a career lifeline to former top prospect Jarred Kelenic. The 26-year-old outfielder, who became a free agent this offseason, has agreed to a Minor League contract with the American League club. The deal, finalized this week, includes a crucial non-roster invitation to Spring Training in Glendale, Arizona, where the White Sox will prepare for the 2026 campaign.
A Fresh Start After a Tough 2025 Season
This move offers Kelenic a much-needed opportunity to reset his Major League Baseball journey. His path to this point has been rocky. The Atlanta Braves removed him from their 40-man roster after the 2025 season, sending him to Triple-A Gwinnett. With his playing time limited and his performance at the plate a struggle, Kelenic ultimately chose free agency, seeking a new beginning.
His 2025 statistics with the Braves tell the story of a difficult year. Appearing in just 24 games, mostly in right field, Kelenic managed a meager .167 batting average and a .531 OPS. Consistency eluded him, leading to his departure from Atlanta's plans.
White Sox See Untapped Potential
A White Sox official confirmed the signing, highlighting the qualities that attracted the rebuilding team to the young player. The club values his defensive abilities, his left-handed power potential, and the upside he showed earlier in his career. "He's still young and has tools we believe can play," the official stated during a media briefing in Chicago.
The plan is to give Kelenic ample opportunity during camp, with time expected in both corner outfield positions. He will join a projected outfield group that includes Andrew Benintendi and Luis Robert Jr., competing for a depth role and injury cover. A strong performance in Arizona could earn him a coveted spot on the Opening Day roster.
From Top Prospect to Seeking Redemption
Jarred Kelenic's professional journey began with immense hype. He was the sixth overall pick by the New York Mets in the 2018 MLB Draft. Later that same year, he was a central piece in a blockbuster trade that sent him to the Seattle Mariners in a deal involving stars Edwin Díaz and Robinson Canó.
When he finally made his MLB debut in May 2021 with Seattle, he was ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline. However, translating that potential into sustained big-league success has been challenging. Across parts of five MLB seasons, his career slash line sits at .211/.282/.376 with a .658 OPS and a high 30.6% strikeout rate.
His best season remains 2023, where he posted a respectable 111 OPS+ and contributed 1.5 fWAR, showing flashes of the player many believed he could become. Now, with the Chicago White Sox, Jarred Kelenic gets another chance to prove that player still exists.
