Jarred Kelenic 2019 Top 100 MLB Prospects Stock Watch
Image credit: Jarred Kelenic (Photo by Tony Farlow)
This is part of a series highlighting several prospects in our 2019 Top 100 Prospects midseason update. To see the full rankings, click here.
Jarred Kelenic, OF, Mariners
Top 100 Rank: 25
Preseason: 68
STOCK is headed: UP ??
Kelenic was the key to the December blockbuster in which the Mariners traded Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano to the Mets. So far, Kelenic is looking like a major coup for Seattle.
Drafted sixth overall by the Mets in 2018, Kelenic tore up the South Atlantic League and quickly adapted to high Class A Modesto as one of the California League’s youngest players. Through 57 games he hit .316/.398/.595 with 13 home runs and 10 stolen bases.
Armed with a sense of confidence that backs up a prodigious skill set, Kelenic has moved up the prospect ranks as quickly as any player in the minors. His ability to hit for a high average with plus power has come as advertised.“I know our guys firmly thought that he was probably the best player in the draft,” Mariners farm director Andy McKay said. “Just the conversation about the skill level of this kid, who was not going to get to us where we were in the first round. He put on quite a show in his workout at Safeco. It was kind of in passing, because it didn’t appear that it would be realistic that he’d still be on the board when we picked.”
It took the Mariners a few extra months, but they got their man.
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