19-year-old Mets outfield prospect Jarred Kelenic started off his professional career hot, tailed off, and has picked things up again as he adjusts to the minors.

Specifically, Kelenic is building confidence in center field and at the plate, which he discussed with The Athletic's Tim Britton during a wide-ranging piece.

"I get to make some crazy plays," Kelenic said. "When you play in like that, you kind of have this swaggy confidence: Try to hit it over my head and see what happens. It's helped me in the batter's box, too. Carry that confidence in the outfield and bring it into the batter's box."

Kelenic is currently with the GCL Mets after opening his pro career with Kingsport.

Britton notes that by taking Kelenic out of high school, the Mets "went against a piece of their organizational philosophy," adding that their draft success lately has primarily come from college players.

Prior to drafting Kelenic, the Mets had taken just three high school players in the first round over the last 14 years: Dominic Smith in 2013, Gavin Cecchini in 2012, and Brandon Nimmo in 2011.

But Kelenic's smooth swing sold Mets scout Chris Hervey, whose initial reaction to Kelenic was "Dear God. This guy is for next year's (draft) class?"

Kelenic, who was quickly added to MLB.com's Top 100 Prospects list, Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list, and Keith Law of ESPN's Top 50 Prospects list after being drafted, is hitting .266/.354/.439 with four homers, five triples, eight doubles, and 11 stolen bases in 44 professional games.

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