Jarred Kelenic, a prep outfielder from Waukesha West High in Wisconsin, heard his name called with the No. 6 overall pick by the New York Mets in the 2018 MLB Draft.
The state has only produced one top-10 pick in the MLB Draft, as the Toronto Blue Jays selected shortstop Augie Schmidt, a Kenosha, Wis. native, with the second overall pick out of the University of New Orleans in 1982.
Kelenic has never suited up for the Waukesha West baseball team, who participate in summer baseball. Instead, he’s spent the summer months playing with travel teams and competing in showcase events across the country.
The past two years, Kelenic played with the U.S. national 18-and-under team. He was the team’s best hitter in 2016 and helped them win their second consecutive gold medal in 2017.
The reason Kelenic was a well-regarded draft prospect was because of his five-tool potential.
His best trait is his advanced hitting ability. He displays a solid approach from the left side of the plate and makes consistent, hard contact to all field. He also has the best power-speed combination in the draft class.
Defensively, Kelenic views himself in centerfield long-term due to his quickness, instincts and arm strength.
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