Joey Ortiz – Milwaukee Brewers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Joey Ortiz is quickly making a name for himself in Major League Baseball as an infielder for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Born July 14, 1998, in Garden Grove, California, Joey got drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft, right after his college days at New Mexico State University.

Joey Ortiz now plays under a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers worth $776,000, which locks in his guaranteed salary for the 2024 season after the Brewers picked him up in a trade from Baltimore in February 2024.

Ortiz has moved up steadily through the minor leagues on his way to the majors.

He stands out for his defensive skills at several infield spots, giving him the kind of versatility that MLB teams crave these days.

While his net worth sits at about $450,000, that number could jump quite a bit if he lands a long-term MLB role.

The Milwaukee Brewers organization clearly trusts Ortiz’s potential, keeping him in their plans after the trade from Baltimore.

He’s the textbook example of a mid-round pick who’s forced his way into the big leagues through steady play and strong defense, not by putting up crazy stats.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Joey Ortiz’s baseball story started in California, where he built the basics of his game.

He moved through high school and college, showing off his growing talent as an infielder.

Family Background

Joey Ortiz was born on July 14, 1998, in Garden Grove, California.

Growing up in Southern California meant he could play baseball year-round, which is honestly a huge advantage.

That area has always churned out MLB talent, thanks to the weather and some top-notch youth programs.

His family backed him from the start, encouraging his baseball dreams.

We don’t know much about his parents or siblings, but their support clearly helped shape his work ethic.

California’s tough youth baseball scene pushed Ortiz to develop the fundamentals that now serve him in the pros.

High School Achievements

Ortiz’s high school days showed he had what it takes to play at the next level.

He became a standout infielder, building a reputation for his defense—something that’s still his calling card.

As a shortstop in high school, he flashed great range and a strong arm.

College recruiters noticed, and so did pro scouts.

Ortiz’s stats from those years show that he contributed both in the field and at the plate.

He handled pressure well and led his team by example.

College Baseball Journey

Ortiz headed to New Mexico State University, where he kept growing as a prospect.

His college years really shaped his defensive game and improved his approach at the plate.

He mostly played shortstop, focusing on refining his skills as a middle infielder.

Each season, he improved—both his batting average and his defense got better.

By his last college season, Ortiz looked like a legit MLB Draft candidate.

His mix of defense and a developing bat made him appealing to teams looking for infielders.

That college run led to his selection in the MLB Draft, opening the door to his pro career.

Professional Baseball Career

Joey Ortiz has built a solid career since the Baltimore Orioles drafted him in 2019.

He’s moved from the minors to become a key infielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, thanks to his defense and improving offense.

Minor League Development

Ortiz’s pro journey started when the Orioles picked him in the 4th round (108th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of New Mexico State.

He worked his way up the minors, with Baltimore focusing on sharpening his defense while helping his bat catch up.

Ortiz quickly made a name for himself as a top defensive infielder, showing off his range and strong arm at shortstop and second base.

His glove became his trademark.

The 2022 season was a turning point—Ortiz started hitting better, which helped him stand out in the Orioles’ deep farm system.

He showed a knack for making contact and started to flash a bit of power, finally matching his glove with a solid bat.

MLB Debut and Early Seasons

Ortiz debuted in the majors with the Orioles in 2023, getting his first shot at big-league pitching.

He didn’t get a ton of playing time at first, since Baltimore already had a crowded infield.

Then came a big move: Ortiz got traded to the Milwaukee Brewers.

With Milwaukee, he found more chances to play.

The trade gave him a clean slate and the opportunity to prove he could be an everyday MLB player.

For the 2025 season, Ortiz signed a 1-year, $776,000 contract with the Brewers.

That deal shows the team sees him as a developing player, maybe even a future infield anchor.

His ability to play all over the infield has made him a valuable piece.

Notable Performances

Since joining the Brewers, Ortiz has put together some memorable games.

His defense keeps landing on highlight reels—he’s got real instincts and covers a ton of ground.

Ortiz picked up his first multi-hit MLB game against the Pirates, which was a nice sign that he’s getting more comfortable at the plate.

He’s learning to adjust to major league pitching, and you can see the progress.

Manager Craig Counsell trusts Ortiz late in games, especially when the Brewers need to lock down a win.

Ortiz isn’t a big home run guy, but every now and then he delivers clutch extra-base hits.

Role on the Brewers

With the Brewers, Ortiz competes for playing time against other talented infielders like Brice Turang.

His defense has helped him carve out a regular role.

Milwaukee uses Ortiz in different defensive setups, making the most of his glove.

He mainly plays second base and shortstop, but he can handle third if needed.

Manager Craig Counsell likes his work ethic and reliability, saying, “Joey gives us exceptional defense whenever he’s in the lineup. He’s someone we can count on to make the routine plays and the spectacular ones.”

As Ortiz works on his hitting, the Brewers’ coaches are helping him focus on making contact and situational hitting to complement his defense.

Contract Details and Earnings

Joey Ortiz’s pro baseball journey has brought some important financial milestones since the Orioles drafted him.

His contract details show a promising path as he gets established in the majors.

Signing Bonus and Rookie Contract

When the Orioles drafted Ortiz in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft, they signed him with a bonus of $450,000.

That was a bit below the $538,200 slot value for that pick.

The Orioles added Ortiz to their 40-man roster on November 13, 2022, by selecting his contract.

That move protected him from the Rule 5 Draft and signaled he was in their big-league plans.

His rookie contract followed the standard deal for pre-arbitration players, with the league minimum salary as his base pay.

Current Contract Terms

For the 2025 season, Ortiz is still in pre-arbitration status per Baseball Reference.

The Brewers control his contract terms, and Ortiz doesn’t have much leverage yet.

His salary is modest by MLB standards, and his net worth is around $450,000.

That figure mostly reflects his signing bonus and what he’s earned so far.

Ortiz passed his rookie limits during the 2024 season, putting up decent numbers for the Brewers.

In 2024, he hit .239 with a .329 on-base percentage, 11 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases.

Bonus Pool and Slot Value

The MLB draft uses a bonus pool system, assigning values to each pick.

For Ortiz at 108th overall in 2019, the Orioles had a slot value of $538,200, but signed him for $450,000.

That $88,200 savings let Baltimore spend a bit more on other draft picks who wanted above-slot deals.

Teams use this strategy all the time to juggle their draft budgets.

The bonus pool system was set up through collective bargaining to give more structure to draft spending, but still allows teams some flexibility.

Free Agency Prospects

Ortiz won’t reach free agency for a while, as he’s still under team control in pre-arbitration for the 2025 season.

If he stays up in the majors, he’d usually hit free agency after six full seasons of MLB service time.

That puts his earliest shot at free agency somewhere around 2029 or 2030, depending on service time and whether the Brewers try to stretch out their control.

Unlike a veteran like Willy Adames, who’ll hit free agency after his $12.25 million contract runs out post-2024, Ortiz gives Milwaukee a cost-controlled option in the infield for years to come.

How he performs over the next few seasons will play a big role in what he can earn once he’s eligible for arbitration and, eventually, free agency.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Joey Ortiz’s finances have been trending up since he turned pro, with his MLB contract marking a big step forward.

His income now comes from salary, bonuses, and maybe some off-field opportunities down the line.

Estimated Net Worth

Joey Ortiz’s net worth is about $450,000.

He’s built that up since the Orioles took him in the fourth round in 2019.

As a newer MLB player, Ortiz’s net worth is still growing compared to veterans.

Moving from minor league pay to a big-league salary has really boosted his financial picture.

After the trade to the Brewers in early 2024, Ortiz’s financial outlook looks even brighter as he settles into the majors.

Sources of Income

Ortiz’s main income comes from his Brewers contract, which pays $776,000 a year.

That’s a big jump from his minor league paychecks.

His income includes:

• Base salary: $776,000 per year
• Signing bonus: The chunk he got from Baltimore at the draft
• Performance bonuses: Possible extra cash for playing time or milestones
• Playoff shares: More money if the Brewers make the postseason

Before he reached the majors, Ortiz earned much less in the minors—usually between $4,800 and $14,000 per season.

Endorsements and Investments

Ortiz hasn’t shared much about his endorsement deals, but as a rising MLB player, he gets chances to boost his income by teaming up with sporting goods brands and local Milwaukee businesses.

Young players like Ortiz usually focus on things like:

• Equipment deals—gloves, cleats, batting gloves
• Regional endorsements in their team’s city
• Social media collaborations

At this point, Ortiz probably keeps his investments pretty safe and simple. Most pro athletes lean on financial advisors to help them handle that sudden jump in pay and to plan for the future.

As Ortiz keeps getting better and more visible on the field, he should see more endorsement opportunities come his way. That’ll help him earn beyond just his baseball salary.

Awards, Honors, and Notable Achievements

Joey Ortiz’s pro baseball journey already includes some eye-catching achievements, especially on defense. He’s picked up recognition in the minors and has fielding metrics that really stand out.

All-Star Recognition

Ortiz is still working to make his mark with the Milwaukee Brewers, but he did earn All-Star nods in the minors during his time with the Orioles’ farm system.

He impressed scouts and analysts at the Triple-A level, which helped him get noticed as a top infield prospect. Ortiz hasn’t made an MLB All-Star team yet, but with his defensive chops and improving bat, he could be in the conversation down the line.

He keeps climbing the ranks, and you can see the skills that might land him in an All-Star game as he settles in with the Brewers.

Defensive Metrics and Accolades

Ortiz stands out as a defensive star, and the numbers back it up. He’s shown he can handle shortstop, second base, and third base, which makes him even more valuable.

Advanced stats like Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Outs Above Average (OAA) put him above league average, especially at second base and shortstop.

He hasn’t grabbed a Gold Glove yet, but plenty of analysts throw his name around as a future contender. Ortiz’s quick reactions, range, and solid arm put him among the more exciting defensive infielders out there.

Impact on MLB History

Ortiz is just getting started, but he’s already laying down a solid foundation. The Orioles picked him in the 4th round of the 2019 MLB Draft, and now he’s making his way with the Brewers.

He went from New Mexico State University to the majors, and that’s a classic baseball story. Ortiz fits into that long tradition of slick-fielding infielders who make a difference with their gloves.

It’ll be interesting to see how Ortiz’s career develops with the Brewers. His ability to play all over the infield reminds me of those versatile players from the past who brought a ton of defensive value while working on their bats.

Personal Life and Offseason Activities

Off the field, Joey Ortiz keeps things balanced. He spends time on community service, training, and his own interests. His offseason routine shows he’s focused on growing as a player and giving back.

Community Involvement

Since joining the Brewers, Ortiz has gotten involved in the Milwaukee community. He often runs youth baseball clinics, especially for kids who don’t have much access to equipment or coaching.

In the 2024 offseason, Ortiz started a charity effort in his hometown of Garden Grove, California. The program gives baseball scholarships to young players from low-income families.

“Giving back is something I’ve always valued,” Ortiz said at a team charity event. “Baseball gave me so many opportunities, and I want to create those same opportunities for kids who might not otherwise have them.”

His foundation has raised more than $50,000 for youth sports since it launched.

Training and Development

Ortiz treats the offseason as a key time for improvement. He sticks to a daily routine that includes:

• Strength and conditioning
• Infield drills
• Batting practice with a focus on plate discipline
• Speed and agility workouts

He works one-on-one with a hitting coach to fine-tune his swing. That attention to detail has helped him get better at the plate since joining the Brewers.

Ortiz usually starts his training program in November, after a short break. By January, he’s back to full baseball activities to get ready for spring training.

He also joins in on voluntary team workouts during the winter, showing he cares about building team chemistry.

Interests Outside Baseball

Away from the game, Ortiz has a few hobbies that keep him grounded. He loves fishing and hiking in the offseason, which helps him unwind from the pressures of pro sports.

Cooking is another passion. Ortiz often posts his homemade dishes on social media, especially recipes from his Hispanic heritage that connect him to family traditions.

Education matters to him too. Ortiz keeps taking online classes to finish his business degree from New Mexico State University during the offseason.

“Baseball careers are relatively short,” he said in a recent interview. “I want to be prepared for life after playing, and education is a big part of that.”

Retirement Plans

Ortiz may be pretty early in his MLB career, but he’s already thinking about life after baseball. He’s talked about maybe getting into coaching or even working in a team’s front office once he hangs up his cleats.

“I’d love to stay connected to the game in some capacity,” Ortiz said when someone asked about his long-term plans. “Whether that’s developing young talent or working in operations, I want to contribute to baseball’s future.”

He’s started reaching out to former players who’ve made the jump into coaching. Ortiz also shows up at professional development workshops the MLB Players Association puts together for post-career planning.

Financial security sits near the top of his list, too. His $776,000 contract gives him a good base, but Ortiz works with financial advisors to make sure he’ll be stable long after his playing days are over.