Jarred Kelenic makes free agency decision

After being declared for assignment by the Chicago White Sox, outfielder Jarred Kelenic has decided to clear waivers and declare for free agency, per Brooke Fletcher of The Chicago Sports Network.

Kelenic, 26, was signed to the White Sox on a minor league contract back in December. Altogether, Kelenic played 19 games this season with Chicago. He batted .226 with 12 hits, a home run, and four RBIs.

Kelenic played 26 games at the beginning of the year in Triple-A with the Charlotte Knights. He batted .202 with 17 hits, 6 home runs, and 18 RBIs. Additionally, Kelenic provides raw power, a smooth left-handed swing, and versatility in the outfield.

However, he has struggled at the plate in terms of generating contact.

He has struck out 20 times, resulting in a strikeout rate of around 30%.

Altogether, Kelencic has accumulated enough service hours and outright assignments to declare for free agency. Last year, he declared himself a free agent while with the Atlanta Braves. This was after he was sent down to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers and was removed from the 40-man roster.

Kelenic has been in the league since 2021, beginning with the Seattle Mariners. Afterward, he played two seasons (2021-2023) in Seattle, then one season in Atlanta before joining the White Sox.

He has a career batting average of .211 with 50 home runs and 160 RBIs.

Meanwhile, the White Sox are 30-27 and are three games behind the Cleveland Guaridians in the American League Central Division—a radical departure from consecutive last-place finishes.

The White Sox are in the midst of a three-game series at home against the Detroit Tigers.