Former top prospect bust leaves Braves to join White Sox on free agent contract

The Atlanta Braves have been more active in this offseason than in years past, with Robert Suarez, Ha-Seong Kim, and Raisel Iglesias all coming back or joining the Braves this offseason.

One of their more underrated needs this offseason was an outfielder, and Mike Yastrezemski came to Atlanta to fill that need. His addition means the outfield is all but set.

According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, the Chicago White Sox are signing former Braves outfielder and former top prospect bust Jared Kelenic to a free agent contract.

Braves' former OF, top prospect bust signs with White Sox

"White Sox news: OF Jared Kelenic is joining the team as a non-roster invite." Rogers shared. "Kelenic spent the last couple of years in the Braves organization after being a first-round pick with the Mets. He's still trying to find his groove at the plate. Has a career .658 OPS."

Kelenic is joining the White Sox roster as a depth outfielder who isn't guaranteed a Major League roster spot. He'll compete during Spring Training for a spot, but for now, he's signed to an MLB club.

After two seasons with the Braves, where he played in 155 games and recorded -0.1 bWAR, 105 hits, 17 home runs, and 47 RBIs with a .222 batting average and a .660 OPS.

More: Braves sign World Series catcher as potential Drake Baldwin backup amid Sean Murphy rehab

He was once a top prospect of the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners, but was traded to the Braves in December of 2023 in a five-player deal involving Evan White and Marco Gonzalez, coming to Atlanta for Jackson Kowar and Cole Phillips.

This past season, he posted a -0.5 bWAR for the Braves in just 24 games and was granted free agency after the season came to a close.

Just 26 years old, there might still be some hope for Kelenic to turn his MLB career around. But, after two seasons in Atlanta that were far from productive, his immediate MLB future is at risk, as he's signing a non-roster deal with the White Sox.

More Braves news:

• Braves' Marcell Ozuna gets $30 million contract projection from ESPN insider
• Braves predicted to pair Chris Sale with rival 2-time All-Star, boasting 1.48 postseason ERA
• Twins' $100M 2-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner open to waiving no-trade clause for Braves
• Braves predicted to trade for $56M NL East rival Cy Young winner to pair with Chris Sale, Strider
• Braves predicted to trade for $6M NL rival southpaw with dynamic arsenal, potential Chris Sale heir
• Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos hints at one final 'impactful' playoff-caliber offseason addition