The Atlanta Braves are continuing their quiet but calculated roster reshuffling, adding Jonathan Ornelas in a low-risk, depth-minded deal that could have meaningful implications later this season.
The Braves acquired him from the Rangers in exchange for cash considerations. Ornelas gives Atlanta a versatile infield option as they continue to rework the bench and adjust to internal roster constraints.
A Fresh Start for Ornelas
Ornelas is leaving the only organization he’s ever known. Drafted in the third round of the 2018 draft out of high school, he rose through the Texas system thanks more to his defensive versatility and athleticism than his bat. In 2022, he looked like a breakout prospect after slashing .299/.360/.425 in Double-A. That prompted the Rangers to keep him from the Rule 5 Draft by adding him to the 40-man roster.
But, the bat hasn’t traveled. In more than 1,000 Triple-A plate appearances, he’s hit just .247/.348/.333. This year, he’s gotten off to a rough .204/.339/.235 start over 30 games. His brief major league resume includes a .184 average, and no home runs in 30 games split across stints in 2023 and 2024.
The Braves Roster Puzzle
This move is less about Ornelas stepping in now and more about roster optionality—something Atlanta is sorely lacking. With Orlando Arcia DFA’d yesterday and players like Michael Harris II and Drake Baldwin being essentially untouchable due to performance and positional importance, the Braves’ flexibility has been thin. The only legitimate backup infielder, Luke Williams, has limited value and no options left.
Ornelas is in his final minor league option year, giving the Braves a stopgap who can shuffle back and forth as needed. He’s been optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett already, and that’s where he’ll likely stay. If Atlanta needs a defensive-minded utility infielder and can’t afford to DFA someone else, they will make the call.
What Comes Next?
As Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, Eli White is now getting pregame infield reps, adding some extra utility flexibility off the bench. That might hint at where the Braves are leaning in the short term, especially if White’s bat holds up better than Ornelas’.
Still, Ornelas now looms in the background as a potential replacement should injuries strike or if performance necessitates a shake-up. This is a classic Braves move. Atlanta is quietly stacking the deck with contingency options, never leaving themselves cornered as the long grind of summer begins.
