The decision to trade former All-Star Orlando Arcia to make room for Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return to Atlanta has cost the Braves some crucial middle infield depth.
Nick Allen has been the starting shortstop for most of the season, but if either he or Ozzie Albies were to get injured, the Braves would be in a tough spot for replacements.
Fortunately, that situation has improved after Alex Anthopoulos made a trade with the Texas Rangers, acquiring infielder Jonathan Ornelas in exchange for cash. The Braves promptly sent Ornelas to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Braves acquire Jonathan Ornelas to help with infield depth after Orlando Arcia DFA
Ornelas, a former third-round draft pick by Texas in 2018, will celebrate his 25th birthday in just a few days. He has played in parts of the last three seasons with the Rangers, but has never appeared in more than 18 games in a single season. As of 2023, he was also once considered a top 30 prospect in the Rangers’ system. Most of his play has been in the middle infield, though he’s seen action at various positions.
Throughout his career, Ornelas has a .184/.245/.224 batting line in the major leagues. This season, he had 121 plate appearances with the Rangers’ Triple-A team before being acquired by Atlanta. His performance at Round Rock has been underwhelming, with an OPS below .600 in Triple-A as well. While he adds depth, his potential doesn’t seem particularly exciting.
Ornelas will join the Braves primarily as a reliable defender to bolster their organizational depth. With top prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. on the 60-day injured list due to a wrist injury, the middle infield options in Atlanta’s upper minor league system are limited.
While losing Orlando Arcia for depth was a significant trade-off, it was a move worth making for the return of former MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. This acquisition of Ornelas is just another example of Alex Anthopoulos strategically maintaining the organizational depth he values so much.
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