Here’s a bold statement: Jarred Kelenic’s journey to the White Sox might just be the most intriguing underdog story of the season. But here’s where it gets controversial—can a former top prospect who’s struggled to find consistency really turn it around in Chicago? Let’s dive in.
White Sox outfielder Jarred Kelenic has a knack for winning over fans, and his love for Chicago is no exception. During a recent Zoom call, he declared, ‘Chicago’s my favorite city that I’ve been in.’ Now, after signing a minor-league deal with a non-roster invite to spring training last December, Kelenic has a golden opportunity to prove he belongs on the major-league roster. And this is the part most people miss—he’s not just any player; he’s the highest-profile, low-risk, high-upside signing the Sox have made this offseason.
A Wisconsin native, Kelenic was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft by the New York Mets. That same year, he was traded to the Mariners in a blockbuster deal that brought Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz to the Mets. Once a consensus top-five prospect in 2021, Kelenic’s career took an unexpected turn in Seattle, where he batted just .204/.283/.373 over 252 games. Here’s the kicker—despite flashes of brilliance, like slugging 15 homers in 2024 with the Braves, his inconsistent performance has left many wondering if he’ll ever live up to the hype.
After a brief stint with the Braves, where he struggled to secure a regular role, Kelenic was removed from their 40-man roster in October 2024. Now, the White Sox’s hitting department, led by director Ryan Fuller, is tasked with helping him smooth out those rough patches. Kelenic himself admits, ‘Consistency is the name of the game. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs, and I’m just trying to learn from those and grow as a player and a teammate.’
The Sox have a proven track record of turning around struggling prospects. Take Miguel Vargas, for example, whose adjusted hand placement helped him become more timely at the plate. New hitting coach Derek Shomon also played a key role in Kyle Stowers’ breakout All-Star season last year. But the question remains—can they work the same magic with Kelenic?
Kelenic has been working tirelessly this offseason to address his swing mechanics. He’s focused on improving his spine angle and weight distribution, aiming to let his natural athleticism shine. ‘Hearing them acknowledge the type of player I am and their clear plan to help me improve was really motivating,’ he shared. Yet, as he puts it, ‘The real test is in the box against a real-life pitcher.’
Here’s the controversial take—while Kelenic’s potential is undeniable, his window to prove himself is shrinking. After a disappointing 2025 season, spring training is his chance to show that his offseason grind has paid off. But will it be enough? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Can Jarred Kelenic finally find his stride with the White Sox, or is his time as a top prospect behind him? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
