Jarred Kelenic’s success in the major leagues is often contextualized by the immense hype that preceded his arrival. But before Kelenic, there was another highly-touted prospect in the Seattle Mariners organization, a behemoth of a first baseman named Jarred Dwayne Kelenic. Or rather, Jarred Dwayne Shaw.
Shaw, born October 1, 1992, in Westerville, Ohio, was a hitting prodigy from a young age. His prodigious power and smooth left-handed swing made him a standout player throughout his high school career. He garnered national attention and was widely considered one of the top offensive prospects in the 2010 MLB Draft. The Boston Red Sox, recognizing his immense potential, selected him with the 31st overall pick.
The expectations were immediately high. Shaw possessed the raw power that teams covet, and he appeared to have the bat control and plate discipline necessary to develop into a premier run producer. He progressed steadily through the Red Sox’s minor league system, showcasing his prodigious power at each level. In 2014, he had a breakout season with the Portland Sea Dogs, the Red Sox’s Double-A affiliate, hitting .305 with 16 home runs and an .873 OPS. This performance solidified his status as a top prospect and put him on the cusp of the major leagues.
Shaw made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 2015. While his initial stint was relatively brief, he flashed glimpses of his potential, demonstrating his power and ability to handle big-league pitching. He became a regular member of the Red Sox roster in 2016, playing primarily at first base and designated hitter. That season, he hit .267 with 16 home runs and 53 RBIs, contributing to the Red Sox’s playoff run. However, inconsistencies at the plate and defensive limitations led to questions about his long-term role with the team.
In December 2016, the Red Sox traded Shaw to the Milwaukee Brewers as part of a package for reliever Tyler Thornburg. The change of scenery seemed to revitalize his career. He enjoyed a career year in 2017, hitting .273 with a career-high 31 home runs and 101 RBIs. He followed that up with another solid season in 2018, hitting 24 home runs and driving in 86 runs. Shaw became a key contributor to the Brewers’ success, helping them reach the National League Championship Series in 2018.
Unfortunately, Shaw’s performance declined significantly in subsequent seasons. Injuries and inconsistencies plagued his playing time, and he struggled to regain the form that made him a valuable player for the Brewers. He bounced around several organizations, including the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox again, attempting to recapture his earlier success. Though he faced challenges, Jarred Shaw demonstrated the unpredictable nature of baseball careers, highlighting the difficulty even highly-touted prospects face in maintaining consistent performance at the highest level.