NEW YORK – Jarred Kelenic’s pro career began on a path toward New York, taken sixth overall by the Mets in the 2018 MLB Draft before being traded that offseason. Now, the well-traveled outfielder is taking another swing at the city.
The 27-year-old Kelenic has signed a Minor League contract with the Yankees and will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the club announced on Saturday.
Kelenic was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Sunday and elected free agency. He has split the season between Texas and the White Sox, batting a combined .219 (16-for-73) with two doubles, one homer and six RBIs in 36 games.
Kelenic was productive in 37 games this year for Triple-A Round Rock, where he batted .373 (53-for-142) with a 1.102 OPS.
Signed for $4.5 million by the Mets in 2018, Kelenic was packaged to the Mariners that offseason in the trade that sent former Yankees second baseman Robinson Canó back to New York, along with closer Edwin Díaz.
Kelenic made his Major League debut with Seattle (2021-23) and also played two seasons with the Braves (2024-25).
In 443 big league games, Kelenic has posted a .211 batting average and .654 OPS (84 OPS+).
Kelenic projects as outfield depth for the Yankees, who recently reinstated Cody Bellinger from the injured list and are also eyeing Aaron Judge’s return sometime in September.