Mariners Send Former No. 1 Prospect Back Down To The Minors

It seemed like it was inevitable at some point. After following up a rookie season in which he hit only .181 by dipping even further to .140 this year, Seattle Mariners former top prospect Jarred Kelenic has been sent back to the minors once again. 

The Seattle #Mariners send outfielder Jarred Kelenic back to the minors before the start of their three-game series today against the #Mets in New York. https://t.co/3DVm4aMAQZ

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 13, 2022

Kelenic came into the 2021 season as the Mariners' No. 1 prospect, but flopped miserably, never able to replicate his success from the minors. He hit .181 with a .615 OPS, 14 home runs and 6 stolen bases. 

In 2022, Kelenic has had an even more difficult time, batting just .140 with a .509 OPS, 3 HR and 4 SB through 96 plate appearances. 

The 22-year-old has tried several different batting stances since last season in the majors, and none have turned the trick for him. 

In 2021, heading back to Triple-A saw Kelenic reclaim his mojo, as he hit .320 with a 1.016 OPS in 125 at-bats. He simply couldn't maintain it at the big league level.

The Mariners have called up veteran outfielder Steven Souza Jr. to jump into the outfield mix in Kelenic's place. The 33-year-old has spent parts of 7 major league seasons with 5 different teams. He's off to a nice start at Triple-A Tacoma, with 5 home runs, 17 RBIs and a .950 OPS.

Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports