Slowly but surely, Seattle Mariners prospect Jarred Kelenic is improving

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Jarred Kelenic #10 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after his two run home run. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Jarred Kelenic #10 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after his two run home run. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

At the beginning of the year, Seattle Mariners prospect Jarred Kelenic was one of the favorites to win AL Rookie of the Year but that dream quickly ended. In his first time around in the big leagues, he seemed to be an automatic out. Now, the Mariners outfielder has become a much more viable threat in the lineup.

Seattle Mariners prospect and outfielder Jarred Kelenic is slowly getting better and better

In the first half of the season (22 games), Jarred Kelenic hit .096 and struck out 26 times. After going down to Tacoma to hit the refresh button and make some technical changes, fans were hoping for a new version of the young to prospect.

Jarred played well in Tacoma but it didn’t translate to immediate success in Seattle. In July, he hit .154 in 14 games. Then last month, he hit .196 in 27 games. As of yesterday morning, Jarred Kelenic was hitting .255 in 14 games. Of those 14 hits, he hit five home runs and two doubles.

The young outfielder has now raised his home run total to 12 and his total batting average to .171, which seemed nearly impossible in his first month of Major League Baseball.

Not only has his batting average increased over time, but various statistics have also been on an uphill climb. In July, Kelenic’s hard-hit rate was 23.3%. In August it was 27.5% and in September, 36.8%. The Wisconsin native has also improved his wOBA, wRC+, BABIP, and OBP. Strikeouts still continue to be a problem as he sits roughly at 30% right now.

Not All-Star numbers for Jarred Kelenic, but a lot of promise

Fans were expecting a lot more from Jarred Kelenic but the biggest takeaway from me is his ability to adapt. Although it has taken him a while to learn the ropes of Major League pitching, progress is progress. He is still 21-years-old and I am a big believer in him.

About a month ago, I thought he could finish the season with 15 home runs, 15 steals, and a .225 batting average. Now he has 12 homers. It’s going to be an exciting end to the season but I am honestly looking more forward to next season and how Jarred Kelenic grows this offseason.