If you are a Seattle Mariners fan, we don’t need to tell you that Jarred Kelenic is off to a terrible start at the plate in 2022.
Before Wednesday’s game, he was slashing .067/.176/.067 with no home runs in five games.
It was kind of a letdown after his September performance, when he finally showed some signs of life and smashed seven home runs after a rough first five months.
However, it’s just five games: the sample size is not big enough to make any conclusive statements about his performance level.
In addition, he finally did some things to help his cause today.
Against the Chicago White Sox, the lefty-hitting slugger smashed an inside fastball and sent it near the foul pole in right field for a two-run home run.
Jarred Kelenic SMOKES this ball for a home run!
114 MPH Exit Velo 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uQTofojc0N
— ROOT SPORTS™ | NW (@ROOTSPORTS_NW) April 14, 2022
It was an impressive homer, as the ball left the bat at 114 mph.
A Truly Special Prospect
That’s proof of Kelenic’s considerable power and wrist speed.
When he learns to use it consistently and hit the ball hard frequently as opposed as occasionally, he will break out.
Few offensive players in the game can match his raw talent, especially as a hitter.
It’s refreshing to see him have a little revenge after some of the things that have been said and written about him.
Despite all his struggles (he hit .181/.265/.350 last year), he is still 22 years old.
Prospect development is not linear: just because Kelenic thrived at Double-A and Triple-A as a 21-year-old doesn’t necessarily mean he will be an All-Star in his first full MLB season.
Prospects require patience, and so far, the Mariners have had it.
Let’s hope that’s still the case if he is off to a slow start.
NEXT: Jarred Kelenic Off To A Disastrous Start In 2022