The Oakland Athletics have made a strategic move in the off-season, designating infielder/outfielder Jonathan Ornelas for assignment. This decision comes as a result of Ornelas opting out of a minor league deal with the New York Yankees in July and subsequently signing with the Athletics. Ornelas' journey to the major leagues has been a rollercoaster, with limited success so far.
Ornelas, aged 26, has a modest big league track record, with just 71 major league plate appearances and a .200/.257/.231 line. However, his defensive versatility is a notable strength, as he has experience at shortstop, second base, third base, left field, and center field. This versatility could make him a valuable bench player for any team.
What's more intriguing is Ornelas' recent performance at the Triple-A level. From 2023 to 2025, he accumulated 1,339 plate appearances with 21 home runs, a .233/.331/.331 line, and a 75 wRC+. This year, his numbers have taken a significant leap, with 308 Triple-A plate appearances, a .310/.378/.505 line, and 127 wRC+. His .381 batting average on balls in play and 11 home runs in that time frame are particularly impressive, suggesting a potential breakout season.
The Athletics' decision to designate Ornelas for assignment is likely a calculated move. With the trade deadline passed, Ornelas will be on waivers, and if he clears them, he will have the right to elect free agency. This move could be seen as a strategic move to create space on the roster for other players or to potentially attract interest from other teams.
In my opinion, Ornelas' defensive versatility and recent performance improvements make him an intriguing prospect. While his offensive output has been limited, his ability to play multiple positions could be a valuable asset for any team. If he clears waivers, it will be interesting to see which team takes a chance on him and whether he can live up to the potential shown in his recent performances.
