The Seattle Mariners plan on recalling top prospect Jarred Kelenic when the 2021 MLB season resumes after the All-Star Break on Friday. The Mariners start a series with the Los Angeles Angels over the weekend to begin the second half. Kelenic, who is the No. 4 overall prospect on MLB.com, had a short stint with the Mariners earlier in the season.
The 2018 first-round pick played 23 games in 2021 with the Mariners, but was sent back down after struggling mightily. He batted under .100 with just 8 hits in 83 ABs for Seattle. At AAA Tacoma, Kelenic is batting .320 with a 1.016 OPS in 30 games. It doesn’t appear to be a lack of skill at the top level but more a lack of confidence in his game.
With reigning AL Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis sidelined with a knee injury, the Mariners boast one of the weaker outfields in MLB. Kelenic was supposed to be on the rise this season and able to break through, so we’ll see if the second stint will prove more fruitful for both sides.
Kelenic is likely owned in dynasty and keeper formats in fantasy baseball. If he isn’t, now wouldn’t be a bad time to scoop him up for an OF spot. You saw the AAA stats, so he’s clearly ready to make the jump, but just needs to gain some confidence at the plate. If Kelenic can stick, he’s got a chance to be in the Seattle OF for the next decade or so.