Seattle Mariners OF prospect Jarred Kelenic should immediately help fantasy baseball managers in each of the five typical roto categories (batting average, home runs, RBI, stolen bases, runs) while also being a points league favorite. A sweet-swinging lefty hitter with power and speed stolen from the New York Mets organization in the potentially lopsided Robinson Cano/Edwin Diaz trade of December 2018, Kelenic, 21, probably could have debuted in the major leagues a season ago, had there been a full season.
Now, after a mere five games at Triple-A Tacoma, the Seattle organization seems to have deemed him "officially" ready. For the record, Kelenic hit .409 in his week at Tacoma, with a pair of home runs, stolen bases and walks, and he hit .293 with a .890 OPS over 178 minor league games and 775 plate appearances, with 31 home runs and 37 stolen bases, and showing plate discipline. While hitting prospects are rarely a guarantee to produce right away at the plate in the majors, Kelenic figures to be different.
As of Tuesday morning, Kelenic is rostered in 67.9% of ESPN standard leagues (points), and expected to make his debut on Thursday against Cleveland. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable not only adding Kelenic immediately to rosters, but activating him right away as well. While Kelenic was considerably stronger in 2019 versus right-handed pitching (nine of his 11 home runs in 50 games, 1.051 OPS), he was hardly overwhelmed against same-sided hurlers (.785 OPS). The Mariners may not face a left-handed starter for another week, and two of the other AL West teams (Astros, Rangers) currently feature no lefty starters.
Regardless, Kelenic is arguably, along with Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, the top prospect in the minor leagues. Fantasy managers should react quickly and optimistically, even parting with overrated fantasy outfielders such as Victor Robles, Tommy Pham, Kyle Schwarber, Dylan Moore and Justin Upton to get him. Adolis Garcia, Raimel Tapia, Andrew McCutchen and Avisail Garcia are also among the most added-outfielders in ESPN standard leagues; get Kelenic instead.
Kelenic moves all the way up in roto rankings to just outside the top 30 outfielders and top 100 overall, but he figures to force his way into those meaningful groups sooner rather than later. The Mariners have yet to announce a potential lineup spot for Kelenic, but 3B Kyle Seager is the lone lefty on the club with power, so anywhere in the Nos. 2-through-5 range make sense. Kelenic should see opportunities to drive in runs and thrive.
Not to overstate things, but other than Franco, who also could be nearing a promotion to the major leagues, fantasy managers would be wise to add the confident, skilled Kelenic before it is too late. Expectations should be great, and over five months it would not be surprising to see him hit at least .280 with 20-plus home runs with double-digit stolen bases, giving him strong consideration for AL Rookie of the Year and a potential spot among the top 50 fantasy options, regardless of format.