Former Braves Outfielder Hits Free Agency After Rangers Release
Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic is back on the open market after the Texas Rangers parted ways with the former top prospect following a difficult stint with the organization.
Kelenic, 27, was designated for assignment by Texas on August 23 after the Rangers recalled catcher Logan O’Hoppe from Triple-A Round Rock. The roster move gave the club seven days to trade, release or outright Kelenic to the minor leagues. He ultimately cleared that process and elected free agency, allowing him to explore opportunities with other Major League Baseball organizations.
The latest development marks another chapter in what has become a complicated career for a player who was once considered one of baseball’s most promising young talents.
The New York Mets selected Kelenic with the sixth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. He was later traded to the Seattle Mariners in the blockbuster deal that sent Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz to New York. Kelenic eventually made his major league debut with Seattle in 2021 and spent three seasons with the Mariners before joining Atlanta.
Kelenic spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Braves. His first year in Atlanta produced some encouraging moments. He appeared in 131 games, establishing career highs with 95 hits and 15 home runs. However, his overall production remained inconsistent, and he finished that season with a below-average offensive profile. (MLB.com)
His second season with Atlanta was considerably more difficult. Kelenic appeared in only 24 games and hit .167 with two home runs and two RBIs. Following the 2025 campaign, the Braves moved on, and the outfielder began searching for another opportunity.
That opportunity came with the Chicago White Sox in 2026. Kelenic played in 19 games for Chicago, batting .226 with one home run and four RBIs before eventually becoming available again.
Texas then brought him into the organization on a minor league contract. The signing initially appeared to give Kelenic another chance to rebuild his career. He performed extremely well at Triple-A Round Rock, batting .340/.431/.620 with three home runs, 11 RBIs and eight walks in 13 games before receiving another opportunity in the majors. (MLB.com)
However, his return to the major leagues with Texas did not produce the results the Rangers hoped for. After being called up in August, Kelenic appeared in 17 games and hit only .200. That performance ultimately contributed to the Rangers’ decision to designate him for assignment. (Reuters)
Despite his recent struggles, Kelenic remains relatively young and has considerable major league experience. Across 426 career games, he has recorded 50 home runs, 160 RBIs and 31 stolen bases while playing all three outfield positions. (MLB.com)
His free-agent status could therefore attract interest from teams looking for an experienced left-handed hitter with defensive versatility and some remaining upside.
For Kelenic, the immediate goal will be finding an organization willing to give him another opportunity. His journey from sixth overall draft pick to free agent has been unexpected, but at 27, he still has time to change the direction of his career.
Now available to sign with any club, Kelenic will hope his next opportunity can finally provide the consistency needed to establish himself as a dependable major league outfielder.
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