Spring Takeaways: Jarred Kelenic has impressed
Spring Takeaways: Jarred Kelenic has impressed
Jarred Kelenic has impressed so far in Mariners camp but how much does that really mean and what has he changed?
When you see Jarred Kelenic out of uniform it is hard not to be impressed with his physical tools. While he isn’t the tallest player on the field, Kelenic is built like the hulk and can run like a gazelle. His arm is a cannon and can throw guys out from all areas of the outfield.
His physical tools haven’t been a concern, and in addition to these tools, the youngster has the work ethic to pair. He wants to be very good but at times his swing and mental approach to baseball have failed him.
Ultimately Kelenic is still just 23 years old and has a ton of time to resurrect his career. He took some strides after being called up late in the season, being able to contribute late in the season was a big deal for him.
This offseason the Waukesha, Wisconsin native knew he needed something different to help a swing that has been tinkered with as much as any. While Kelenic himself hasn’t specifically said it, it seems he visited Robert Van Scoyoc in the offseason.
Van Scoyoc has helped to coach the swings of hitters like Mookie Betts, JD Martinez, and Chris Taylor. He currently works as a hitting coach for the Dodgers, which may be why Kelenic has declined to speak on who has helped him.
Van Scoyoc believes in creating a swing that is adjustable to all different planes and pitch types, not one that is grooved to a certain location. Being on a plane for a long time in all different quadrants of the zone is very important to the best hitters in the league.
In an interview with Fangraphs, the 37-year-old coach explains a lot more about his philosophies in hitting and how hitters are evolving.
You can really see the resemblance when you put the two swings side by side, the hand pump synchronized with his leg lift is a tale of many of the hitters who work with this instructor.
His swing looks much less robotic and more rhythmic so far this spring, but this process is far from over. In Monday’s game against the White Sox, you could tell Kelenic mistimed his hand movement a few times, moving too early and squibbing a ball off the end of his bat.
In an interview with Seattle Sports 710, Kelenic spoke about the importance of believing in the changes he has made. He now believes in his swing and has a multitude of drills that he does that get him feeling right each day, and can help him tune up any squeaky wheels.
There is a ton of value in a hitter believing in his swing and setup, something Kelenic has not had on his side at any point in his big-league career. You can check out the full interview on their website.
Watching Kelenic walk into the facility and hop in the cage with Mariner legend Alvin Davis, his rounds are professional and impressive. His swing is smooth and repeatable, lacing balls into the opposite field gap.
He has begun writing in a journal this year to keep track of the things that change from day to day, in an effort to stay consistent. Kelenic’s swing and mental approach to the game seems to have matured over the offseason, and early results are encouraging.
The lefty swinger leads the Cactus League in home runs so far, which ultimately means nothing unless he produces in Seattle this year. For the first time since his debut, Jarred Kelenic seems confident in himself again.
I believe his changes are setting him up on the path to success, whether or not he sticks with them through eventual struggle remains to be seen. Whether you believe in him or not he has the opportunity to be one of the most impactful players on this team in 2023.
Seattle is going to need him this year to reach their goals, so they have to be excited with the early returns for Kelenic so far down in Peoria.