Former top prospect Jarred Kelenic has signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox, earning a non-roster invitation to spring training. The 26-year-old outfielder seeks to revive his career after a challenging stint with the Atlanta Braves. Kelenic's move comes after he elected free agency following his outright assignment to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Jarred Kelenic, once a highly touted prospect, has agreed to a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox and will attend spring training as a non-roster invitee. The 26-year-old elected free agency earlier this offseason after the Braves removed him from their 40-man roster and outrighted him to Triple-A Gwinnett. In 24 games for Atlanta last season, primarily in right field, Kelenic batted .167 with a .531 OPS.
Kelenic's professional journey began when the New York Mets selected him sixth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. He became the centerpiece of a trade to the Seattle Mariners that sent Edwin Díaz and Robinson Canó to New York. Kelenic debuted with Seattle in May 2021 as MLB Pipeline's No. 4 overall prospect.
Over parts of five major league seasons, Kelenic has a .211/.282/.376 slash line, a .658 OPS, and a 30.6% strikeout rate. His strongest performance came in 2023, when he posted a 111 OPS+ and 1.5 fWAR.
In Chicago, Kelenic aims to unlock his potential and earn a spot on the White Sox roster. The team's projected starting outfield includes Andrew Benintendi, Luis Robert Jr., and Brooks Baldwin, leaving room for competition during spring training.