The Chicago White Sox might not be leading the pack in Major League Baseball, but the competition for Opening Day roster spots is heating up. As we look at the outfield, Austin Hays, Brooks Baldwin, and Andrew Benintendi are expected to start, with Luisangel Acuna and Everson Pereira providing depth. However, one of those depth spots is still up for grabs.
Enter Jared Kelenic, a former top prospect from the Seattle Mariners who is now being considered a "dark horse" to snag that final bench spot this spring. According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, Kelenic has been working closely with Ryan Fuller, the team's director of hitting, throughout the offseason. This collaboration could be key as he battles for a place on the active roster.
Kelenic's journey in the majors has been a rollercoaster. Despite his struggles over the past few seasons, the potential that made him a sixth-overall pick still lingers. At 26, Kelenic has played 407 MLB games, mostly with the Mariners, and more recently, 155 games with the Atlanta Braves over the last two seasons.
His career numbers, including a .211 batting average and a .658 OPS, might not jump off the page, but there's more beneath the surface. Last season with the Braves, Kelenic hit .167 with a .531 OPS, showing flashes of power but also battling high strikeout rates.
The key to Kelenic’s potential resurgence lies in his ability to perform as a platoon batter. He’s shown a stronger performance against right-handed pitchers, with a .695 OPS compared to a .547 OPS against lefties. If he can leverage this strength, Kelenic could become a valuable depth option for the White Sox in 2026.
As Spring Training unfolds, keep an eye on Kelenic. A strong showing could see him not just making the roster, but also becoming a significant contributor as he seeks to revitalize his MLB career.