Yankees sign former top Mets prospect Jarred Kelenic to minor league deal

The New York Yankees have signed former Mets and Mariners prospect Jarred Kelenic to a minor league deal, with plans for him to report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This decision follows the Yankees' recent addition of former Mets player Michael Fulmer. Kelenic, who was once considered a rising star, has struggled to find success in the major leagues, posting a career batting average of .211 and an OPS of .655 over 443 games with the Mariners, Braves, White Sox, and Rangers. He is best known locally for being part of the December 2018 trade that sent him from the Mets to the Mariners in exchange for Edwin Díaz and Robinson Canó. This season, Kelenic did not perform well with the White Sox or Rangers but had a strong showing in Triple-A, hitting .310 with a .408 on-base percentage and a .584 slugging percentage in 63 games. The Rangers designated him for assignment on Sunday, making him a free agent. Kelenic, a left-handed hitter, is expected to provide depth for the Yankees' outfield, which includes major league players Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Spencer Jones, as well as minor league players Duke Ellis, Yanquiel Fernández, and switch-hitting Jasson Domínguez.