Jonathan Ornelas Stats & Scouting Report

AB	37
AVG	.216
OBP	.256
SLG	.27
HR	0

Full name Jonathan Ornelas
Born 05/26/2000 in Glendale, AZ
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 196 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Kellis
Drafted in the 3rd round (91st overall) by the Texas Rangers in 2018 (signed for $622,800).

View Draft Report

Ornelas made big strides in the offseason, when the righthanded-hitting shortstop added strength and started showcasing the ability to turn on pitches with hard contact. The looming question--which has received varying answers from scouts--is whether Ornelas will be able to stay at shortstop in the future. His plus hands and above-average to plus arm are enough for the position, but his limited range and tick below-average speed may push Ornelas to second or third base. Regardless of where he winds up defensively, Ornelas projects to have enough bat for any infield position. He has an aggressive but short swing with surprising power for his size, and shows the ability to use the whole field. Ornelas has also been clocked in the low 90s from the mound, but it's not likely any team will take him as a pitcher. He is committed to Tennessee, but if he's singable, Ornelas will likely not get past the fourth or fifth round.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: After being drafted in the third round in 2018, Ornelas put up solid if unspectacular numbers. Those figures got a bump in 2022, although he also had noticeable splits favoring home games and at-bats against lefthanders. The Rangers added him to the 40-man roster after the season to shield him from the Rule 5 draft.

Scouting Report: Ornelas doesn't have a standout tool but he hits the ball plenty hard and has enough defensive versatility to move around the diamond with ease. He's an extremely aggressive hitter who has below-average swing decisions and pitch recognition. He made some swing adjustments to help him stay behind the ball better and increase his impact on contact, though the Rangers would still like to see him get the ball in the air more often. Ornelas took most of his defensive reps at shortstop and third base but got four games apiece at second base and center field.

The Future: After a year bouncing around the diamond for Texas League-champion Frisco, Ornelas will head to Triple-A to try to prove his breakout was real. Better pitch recognition skills and more fly balls will aid that effort. He could make his big league debut in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 45. Speed: 45. Fielding: 45. Arm: 60.
Track Record: A third-round pick in the 2018 draft, Ornelas quickly boosted his stock with a strong showing in the Rookie-level Arizona League, where he impressed pro scouts with his hitting ability.

Scouting Report: Ornelas doesn't have a conventional swing, but it works for him with his ability to consistently barrel the baseball. He can get his body shifted to his front side early, but he's able to keep his hands back and fire with good bat speed and a short path to the ball to connect and do damage, especially against fastballs. Ornelas showed some chase tendencies in the AZL but mostly showed a good plan at the plate and walked at a 12 percent clip. He's wiry strong and projects to have at least average power. A high school shortstop, Ornelas spent more time at third base in pro ball and is likely to shift around between third, shortstop and possibly second base going forward. He has soft hands and a plus arm, but he's a fringe-average runner whose range is light for an everyday shortstop

The Future: Ornelas has the defensive skill set and offensive profile to fit at either third or second base. He should jump to low Class A Hickory in 2019.

Draft Prospects

Ornelas made big strides in the offseason, when the righthanded-hitting shortstop added strength and started showcasing the ability to turn on pitches with hard contact. The looming question--which has received varying answers from scouts--is whether Ornelas will be able to stay at shortstop in the future. His plus hands and above-average to plus arm are enough for the position, but his limited range and tick below-average speed may push Ornelas to second or third base. Regardless of where he winds up defensively, Ornelas projects to have enough bat for any infield position. He has an aggressive but short swing with surprising power for his size, and shows the ability to use the whole field. Ornelas has also been clocked in the low 90s from the mound, but it's not likely any team will take him as a pitcher. He is committed to Tennessee, but if he's singable, Ornelas will likely not get past the fourth or fifth round.

Minor League Top Prospects

It’s not often that a third-round pick gets such strong support to rank as a league top 10 league prospect, but Ornelas’ combination of baseball savvy, offensive potential and versatility makes a strong case for him ranking among the AZL’s best. He has good bat speed and this summer improved his approach at the plate by better learning what pitches to swing at and learning how to adjust to breaking balls. He’s wiry strong with surprising pop for his size. While not a blazing runner, advanced understanding of the game allows Ornelas to steal bases, with projections that he could have 20-20 potential in the future. Primarily a shortstop in high school, Ornelas spent more time at third base in deference to other more natural shortstops on the AZL Rangers roster. With an above-average or better arm, good hands and good movement, Ornelas profiles well at the hot corner or in a super-utility role.

Scouting Reports

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: After being drafted in the third round in 2018, Ornelas put up solid if unspectacular numbers. Those figures got a bump in 2022, although he also had noticeable splits favoring home games and at-bats against lefthanders. The Rangers added him to the 40-man roster after the season to shield him from the Rule 5 draft.

Scouting Report: Ornelas doesn't have a standout tool but he hits the ball plenty hard and has enough defensive versatility to move around the diamond with ease. He's an extremely aggressive hitter who has below-average swing decisions and pitch recognition. He made some swing adjustments to help him stay behind the ball better and increase his impact on contact, though the Rangers would still like to see him get the ball in the air more often. Ornelas took most of his defensive reps at shortstop and third base but got four games apiece at second base and center field.

The Future: After a year bouncing around the diamond for Texas League-champion Frisco, Ornelas will head to Triple-A to try to prove his breakout was real. Better pitch recognition skills and more fly balls will aid that effort. He could make his big league debut in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 45. Speed: 45. Fielding: 45. Arm: 60.
BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: After being drafted in the third round in 2018, Ornelas put up solid if unspectacular numbers. Those figures got a bump in 2022, although he also had noticeable splits favoring home games and at-bats against lefthanders. The Rangers added him to the 40-man roster after the season to shield him from the Rule 5 draft.

Scouting Report: Ornelas doesn't have a standout tool but he hits the ball plenty hard and has enough defensive versatility to move around the diamond with ease. He's an extremely aggressive hitter who has below-average swing decisions and pitch recognition. He made some swing adjustments to help him stay behind the ball better and increase his impact on contact, though the Rangers would still like to see him get the ball in the air more often. Ornelas took most of his defensive reps at shortstop and third base but got four games apiece at second base and center field.

The Future: After a year bouncing around the diamond for Texas League-champion Frisco, Ornelas will head to Triple-A to try to prove his breakout was real. Better pitch recognition skills and more fly balls will aid that effort. He could make his big league debut in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 45. Speed: 45. Fielding: 45. Arm: 60.