In a bid to resurrect his Major League Baseball career, outfielder Jarred Kelenic has secured a new opportunity with the Chicago White Sox. The 26-year-old signed a minor league contract with the club on Monday in early 2026, as reported by ESPN. The agreement crucially includes an invitation to major league spring training in Arizona, offering Kelenic a direct path to prove he belongs back in the big leagues.
A Promising Career Derailed by Inconsistency
Once hailed as a future star, Jarred Kelenic's journey has been a tale of unfulfilled potential. Drafted sixth overall by the New York Mets in the 2018 MLB Draft, he was a highly coveted prospect. His path shifted dramatically in December 2018 when the Mets traded him to the Seattle Mariners in a blockbuster deal that sent Robinson Canó and Edwin Díaz to New York.
Kelenic made his much-anticipated MLB debut in May 2021 with the Mariners. A left-handed hitter known for his speed and defensive skills, he struggled to find consistent success at the plate. Over five MLB seasons, his career batting average sits at a disappointing .211, accompanied by a troubling strikeout rate exceeding 30 percent.
His most promising stretch came in 2023 with Seattle, where he posted a .253 average with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs in 105 games. However, that season was marred by a self-inflicted setback. In July 2023, Kelenic broke his left foot after kicking a water cooler in frustration, an incident for which he took full public responsibility, stating, “I let emotions get the best of me. I take full responsibility. It can’t happen.”
A Fresh Start in Chicago's Reshaping Outfield
Following a trade to the Atlanta Braves before the 2024 season, Kelenic showed flashes of power, hitting a career-high 15 home runs as the everyday center fielder. Yet, his strikeout issues persisted. His 2025 campaign quickly fell apart, managing only a .167 average in 24 games and drawing public criticism from teammate Ronald Acuña Jr. for a perceived lack of hustle.
Now, the Chicago White Sox present a clean slate. The organization has been active this offseason, adding players like pitcher Anthony Kay and Japanese power hitter Munetaka Murakami. Furthermore, with reports suggesting the White Sox are open to trade offers for star outfielder Luis Robert Jr., a potential opening in the outfield could emerge. A strong performance from Kelenic in spring training might position him to seize that opportunity.
What This Deal Means for Kelenic and the White Sox
On the surface, this is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Chicago White Sox. They acquire a former top prospect with undeniable physical tools without committing a major league roster spot or significant salary. For Jarred Kelenic, this minor league deal is arguably the most critical of his career. It represents a final, clear chance to demonstrate he has matured and can translate his talent into sustained MLB production.
The White Sox offer him not just a new team, but a new coaching staff and a less pressurized environment within a rebuilding roster. The core challenge remains unchanged: Kelenic must conquer his inconsistency at the plate and channel his competitive fire productively. His mission in Arizona this spring is singular: to prove he is still the player many believed he could be and earn his way back to regular MLB playing time.
