The San Diego Padres have designated outfielder Tirso Ornelas for assignment, , the team announced. The move clears a roster spot for right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning, whose signing has been finalized.
Ornelas, who will turn 26 next month, had been with the Padres organization since . He made his Major League Baseball debut in , appearing in seven games and recording 16 plate appearances. However, his performance at the major league level was limited, posting a batting line of .071/.188/.071.
Despite his struggles in the majors, Ornelas has demonstrated hitting potential in the minor leagues. Over the past three seasons, primarily at the Triple-A level, he has accumulated 1,471 plate appearances. He boasts a walk rate of 11.3% and a strikeout rate of 17%, along with 48 home runs. However, analysts note that his .285/.371/.452 batting line was achieved in the Pacific Coast League, known for being a hitter-friendly environment, resulting in a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 108 – indicating he performed 8% better than the league average.
The Padres’ decision reflects the team’s current outfield composition. Fernando Tatis Jr. And Ramón Laureano are established in the corner outfield positions, while Jackson Merrill is expected to play up the middle. The team also has several other players vying for outfield playing time, including Gavin Sheets, Nick Castellanos, Miguel Andujar, Sung Mun Song, and Bryce Johnson. This depth contributed to the decision to designate Ornelas for assignment.
The designation for assignment initiates a process that allows the Padres up to seven days to trade Ornelas. The waiver process itself takes 48 hours, giving the team five days to explore potential deals. Ornelas retains one minor league option remaining, potentially making him an attractive option for teams seeking outfield depth, particularly those in need of a left-handed bat.
Baseball America recently ranked Ornelas as the #28 prospect in the Padres’ system, suggesting he still possesses some value to other organizations. While not considered a strong defender or a particularly fast runner, his offensive capabilities and remaining option year could appeal to teams looking for a player with upside.
Ornelas signed with the San Diego Padres as an international free agent on , beginning his professional career with the Arizona League Padres. He progressed through the minor league system, playing for the Fort Wayne TinCaps in and , the Lake Elsinore Storm in , and the San Antonio Missions in and . He also had brief stints with the El Paso Chihuahuas, the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate.
The Padres added Ornelas to their 40-man roster on , before optioning him to El Paso. This recent move underscores the competitive nature of roster management in Major League Baseball, where teams constantly evaluate their depth and make adjustments based on performance and strategic needs.
The decision to cut Ornelas has sparked debate among baseball fans, with some questioning whether the Padres are prematurely giving up on a player with potential. The situation highlights the challenges faced by young players attempting to establish themselves in the majors, particularly within organizations that have a surplus of talent.
