Ornelas brings a.history of major league experience despite his current assignment in the minors. He has appeared in parts of three MLB seasons, with the Texas Rangers (2023–2025) and the Atlanta Braves (2025). Over his big league career, he has produced a .208/.263/.245 triple-slash line and has proven himself as a versatile defender, capable of handling multiple infield positions and contributing in the outfield when needed.
Drafted in the third round by the Rangers in 2018, Ornelas was traded to the Braves for cash in May 2025. He became a free agent at the end of that season, and the Yankees signed him to a minor league deal in November 2025. During the 2025 spring workouts, Ornelas participated in 13 spring training games, posting a .280/.333/.440 line, but he did not make the Yankees’ Opening Day roster.
In 2025, Ornelas faced challenges adjusting to International League pitching, posting a .196/.295/.303 line across Braves and Rangers affiliates. Despite those earlier struggles, he started the current season strong for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. By late April, he had registered a 1.017 OPS, demonstrating his power and plate discipline. He has continued to showcase his defensive flexibility, logging time at second base, third base and shortstop, while also getting occasional innings in left field.
Ornelas’ current performance and positional versatility make him an appealing depth option for an organization seeking infield and utility-miss contributors who can step in across several spots as needed. His continued production in Triple-A signals potential opportunities for a return to the majors if an opening arises and he maintains his sustaining level of performance.
As this developing story unfolds, more details may emerge about Ornelas’ next steps and how his opt-out could influence his travel plans within professional baseball.
