New York Yankees make roster move by signing six-year MLB outfielder to minor-league deal

New York Yankees have added another experienced outfielder to their organisation, signing Jarred Kelenic to a minor-league contract.

Kelenic will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after joining the Yankees during their series against the Boston Red Sox.

MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reported the move on X, confirming that Kelenic will begin his time with the Yankees at Triple-A.

“The Yankees have signed Jarred Kelenic to a Minor League contract. Reporting to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Kelenic elected free agency after the Texas Rangers outrighted him to Triple-A Round Rock earlier this week.

The 30-year-old began the 2026 season with the Chicago White Sox before joining Texas. He recorded a .219/.313/.288 slash line with one home run and six RBI across 36 games between the two teams.

Kelenic has also played at all three outfield positions in the majors this season, giving the Yankees another option with experience across the outfield.

While his major-league numbers have been underwhelming this year, Kelenic has produced considerably better numbers at the Triple-A level.

He has hit .310/.408/.584 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI in Triple-A this season.

Kelenic was once regarded as one of baseball’s top prospects after the New York Mets selected him sixth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft.

The Mets later traded him and several other players to the Seattle Mariners during the 2018-19 offseason in a deal that brought All-Star closer Edwin Diaz and second baseman Robinson Cano to New York.

Kelenic made his MLB debut with Seattle in 2021 but struggled during his first two seasons. He hit .181/.265/.350 over 93 games as a rookie before posting a .141/.221/.313 slash line in 54 games in 2022.

His 2023 season with the Mariners represented an improvement, as he hit .253/.327/.419 across 105 games.

Seattle then traded Kelenic to the Atlanta Braves after the 2023 season. He appeared in 131 games for Atlanta in 2024 and 24 games in 2025, posting a .222/.279/.381 slash line during his time with the club.

The Braves eventually outrighted him off their roster this past offseason, allowing Kelenic to sign with the White Sox.

Now, the Yankees have given the six-year MLB outfielder another opportunity to work his way back towards the majors.

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