The Seattle Mariners were an interesting team to watch in 2022.
After a bad start to the season, they pulled themselves together and ultimately won 90 games to secure their first postseason berth since 2001.
This season, they’re off to a bit of a slow start, but have received some major contributions from a young star.
Outfielder Jarred Kelenic has been off to a hot start.
The 23-year-old has already hit four home runs and driven in eight with an OPS of 1.060.
His batting average stands at .333.
Kelenic has also been playing some elite defense.
On MLB Network, analysts Harold Reynolds and Adnan Virk broke down Kelenic’s hot start and discussed why the young outfielder is so valuable right now.
Jarred Kelenic is on an absolute heater for the @Mariners ♨️
Harold Reynolds breaks down how he’s been reaching his potential so far this season.#MLBTonight | @adnansvirk | #SeaUsRise pic.twitter.com/UKuwCQnHLd
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 17, 2023
Heading into Monday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Kelenic had been hitting .438 over his past nine games.
He also had collected eight extra-base hits, stole two bases, and posted an OPS of 1.438.
Reynolds talked about the adjustments Kelenic has made and discussed how when players struggle, it’s often more mental than physical, which is something young players have to learn.
Reynolds talked about those mental adjustments that Kelenic appears to have made.
He cited a key moment in 2022 when he received a bad call on strike two of an at-bat and how it ultimately derailed him.
Reynolds then pointed to an at-bat in spring training against the Chicago Cubs, where Kelenic took a strike but continued to battle and ultimately hit a home run on an 0-2 count.
Kelenic has made some key adjustments that appear to be paying off in 2023.
NEXT:
Luis Castillo Continues To Prove He’s A Top MLB Ace
