The New York Yankees are taking a chance on a former MLB top prospect who is looking for a fresh start. New York has signed outfielder Jarred Kelenic to a Minor League contract, and he will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
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Aug 15, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Texas Rangers pinch hitter Jarred Kelenic (25) hits a two RBI single against the Athletics during the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
Kelenic was once considered one of the best prospects in baseball. The New York Mets selected him No. 6 overall in the 2018 MLB Draft, but he was traded to the Seattle Mariners that offseason as part of the deal that sent Robinson Canó and Edwin Díaz to New York.
The 27-year-old has now played for four MLB organizations, appearing with the Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers. He became a free agent after declining a Minor League assignment from Texas.
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Kelenic’s Major League career hasn’t lived up to the enormous expectations that followed him into professional baseball. In 443 career games, he owns a .211 batting average and .654 OPS, with 50 home runs and 162 RBI.
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May 19, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Jarred Kelenic (24) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Kelenic has struggled in the Majors this season, hitting .219 with one home run and six RBI in 36 games between the White Sox and Rangers. However, he has shown considerably more production in the Minors.
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In 37 games with Triple-A Round Rock this season, Kelenic hit .373 with a 1.102 OPS, showing that there is still plenty of offensive ability in his bat.
That’s what makes the Yankees’ decision intriguing.
New York doesn’t need to immediately put Kelenic on the Major League roster. Instead, he can report to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, get regular at-bats and try to rebuild some confidence while providing the organization with additional outfield depth.
The Yankees recently welcomed Cody Bellinger back from the injured list and are also anticipating Aaron Judge’s return sometime in September, so Kelenic won’t necessarily have an obvious path to the Bronx.
But if he starts hitting, that could change quickly.
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