Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic hasn’t developed as expected.
Part of the famous Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz trade with the New York Mets, he was touted as a top-ten prospect for years before making his MLB debut in 2021.
Despite some gaudy Triple-A numbers, Kelenic has struggled to the tune of a .615 OPS in 2021 and an even worse .534 mark last year.
Many people are writing him off, but they forget about the big picture.
He is still 23 years old, younger than some prospects still in Triple-A.
Prospect development is not linear, and the Mariners need to be patient with Kelenic.
Fans are excited at the moment because he is having an explosive spring training.
“Mariners should be excited about Jarred Kelenic. Look and. He’s only 23 years old. He’s now got MLB & Playoff experience. He’s a hard worker who has worked on his game of him. HE’S ON FIRE IN ST: .448 AVG, 4 HRs, 9 RBIs, 1.484 OPS & 2SBs. INSANE,” Seattle Mariners ON Tap tweeted.
Mariners should be excited about Jarred Kelenic. Look and. He’s only 23 years old. He’s now got MLB & Playoff experience. He’s a hard worker who has worked on his game of him. HE’S ON FIRE IN ST 🥵
.448 AVG
4 HRs 9 RBIs
1.484 OPS
& 2SBsINSANE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DHJYY2dfkR
— Seattle Mariners ON Tap (@MarinersONtap) March 15, 2023
While spring training stats don’t (or shouldn’t, at least) carry much weight in the analysis, it’s nice to see him in a groove.
He has 13 hits in the spring, and no other Mariner has more than eight.
He seems to be figuring things out, but the big test will be the month of April.
If he shows in the regular season that he can be productive, we can all start getting real excited about his future prospects.
What he is doing is nice, but he needs to do it when games actually count.
The tools appear to be there, and one day, the Mariners’ patience can pay off big time.
NEXT:
Mariners Infielder Keeps Dominating In The WBC
