Former New York Mets first-round draft pick Jarred Kelenic is set to embark on a new chapter in his baseball career with the Chicago White Sox. Reports indicate that Kelenic has signed a non-roster invite with the team, confirmed by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers and MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand as a minor league deal.
Kelenic, who was selected sixth overall by the Mets in the 2018 MLB Draft, entered the professional arena with high expectations. In his inaugural minor league season, he demonstrated significant potential, showcasing solid plate discipline and power with an impressive .839 OPS. However, his trajectory took a turn when he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in a blockbuster trade involving star players Robinson Cano and Edwin Díaz.
Kelenic made his major league debut in May 2021 with the Mariners, where he played for three seasons. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, he struggled to consistently meet the expectations set for him. Across 252 games in Seattle, Kelenic posted a batting average of .204 and a .656 OPS.
In December 2023, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves, and the following season proved to be his best yet, as he hit a career-high 15 home runs and maintained a 111 OPS+. However, Kelenic’s performance faltered again in 2025, leading to him spending a significant portion of the season in Triple-A and ultimately opting for free agency after being removed from the Braves’ 40-man roster.
Now with the Chicago White Sox, Kelenic looks to revitalize his career and carve out a meaningful role within the organization. This opportunity represents a crucial moment for the former top prospect to demonstrate his value and potential in the big leagues once again, offering hope of a resurgence in his once-promising journey.