Maybe This Time

The White Sox this week announced the signing of outfielder Jarred Kelenic to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. The onetime wunderkind from Waukesha, Wisconsin, has had a tough time of it since being the number-six pick of the 2018 draft. Lots of pop, not enough contact. Though you’d never know from the way mlb.com covered him; he was everywhere and everything to commentators, another Trout or Brett. As a rule, I think this kind of publicity is toxic to a young player, especially one who didn’t get a chance to grow up some while attending college. In three of his five big-league seasons, Kelenic has batted under .182, and a mere .167 in 60 at-bats with the Braves last season. Now, he’s just trying to hold on. As it is, the Sox have Everson Pereira, Tristan Peters and Derek Hill looking to do the same. In all likelihood, only one of those four breaks camp with the team. As ever, Darwin trumps hype.