Yankees Sign Former Mets Top Prospect to MiLB Contract Amid 2026 MLB Playoff Race

With Aaron Judge still injured and Giancarlo Stanton potentially missing the remainder of the season, the New York Yankees are adding more lineup depth for the stretch run.

The Yankees signed veteran outfielder Jarred Kelenic to a minor league contract, and he will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

A former first-round pick by the New York Mets, Kelenic was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers on Aug. 23. He cleared waivers and became a free agent two days later after rejecting a minor-league assignment.

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Kelenic has bounced around MLB since being drafted in 2018. He was traded by the Mets to the Seattle Mariners six months after the draft as part of the Robinson Cano-Edwin Díaz deal.

After playing three seasons with the Mariners from 2021 to '23, Kelenic has had stints with the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox and Rangers. He owns a .211/.283/.371 career slash line in 443 games.

The Yankees don't need Kelenic on the MLB roster at the moment, but they could be looking for insurance in the event Judge is limited upon returning or Stanton misses the rest of the season.

Judge appears to be getting closer to playing and told reporters this week his ideal scenario would be to avoid going on a minor-league rehab assignment, though Yankees manager Aaron Boone wouldn't commit to that.

Stanton reinjured his calf last week after taking a fall while running. His status for the remainder of the season is unclear, but it's probably best for the Yankees to operate as if he won't play since he has been out since April 24.

Despite not having Judge or Stanton for most of the season, the Yankees own the second-best record in the AL and hold a three game lead over the Boston Red Sox for the top wild card spot.