The Texas Rangers have delivered a shocking blow to former Atlanta Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic, who is once again facing an uncertain future. According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the Rangers have designated Kelenic for assignment, marking the second time Texas has DFA’d him this season.
Kelenic appeared in just 17 games for the Rangers and received only 24 plate appearances. During that limited opportunity, he posted a .200/.333/.200 slash line without recording an extra-base hit.
Once viewed as one of the more promising prospects in baseball during his time in the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners organizations, the 27-year-old has struggled to live up to those expectations. Over his major league career, Kelenic owns a .211/.283/.371 slash line with 50 home runs and an 84 wRC+.
The Rangers now have five days to either attempt to outright Kelenic to the minor leagues or release him. However, because he has accumulated enough service time to reject an outright assignment, he could soon find himself back on the free-agent market.
Recapping Jarred Kelenic’s Tenure With the Braves
Kelenic spent two seasons with the Braves after Atlanta acquired him from the Mariners in a 2024 trade. The deal also brought starting pitcher Marco Gonzalez and Evan White to the organization, while Atlanta sent Jackson Kowar and prospect Cole Phillips to Seattle.
During his first season with the Braves, Kelenic primarily worked as part of a platoon in left field. He hit .231/.289/.383 and set a career high with 15 home runs. Atlanta went on to reach the postseason as the National League’s No. 5 seed.
However, his offensive struggles became more pronounced in 2025. Although Kelenic initially made the major league roster, he was unable to establish any consistency at the plate. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Gwinnett and used his final minor league option. In 24 games with Atlanta, he hit just .219 while posting a .601 OPS.
Following the 2025 season, the Braves outrighted Kelenic off their 40-man roster. With three years of major league service time, he elected to reject the assignment and enter free agency.
Jarred Kelenic’s Career After Leaving the Braves
After departing Atlanta, Kelenic signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox. He failed to make their Opening Day roster and began the season with Triple-A Charlotte.
The White Sox eventually promoted Kelenic at the end of April, but his struggles continued at the major league level. He hit .226 with a .626 OPS for Chicago, and four weeks later, he was removed from the roster. After clearing outright waivers, the 27-year-old once again elected free agency.
Kelenic then landed with the Rangers on another minor league deal, signing with Texas on June 2. He received two separate opportunities on the club’s major league roster. The Rangers had previously cut ties with him on July 29, but he returned to the organization shortly afterward on another minor league contract.
Now, with only five weeks remaining in the season, Kelenic is once again searching for an opportunity to fight his way back onto a major league roster. The Rangers’ latest decision represents another difficult chapter in what has become a frustrating stretch for the former top prospect.
