Yankees Sign Jonathan Ornelas to Minor League Contract for Depth

The New York Yankees just made a calculated depth move for 2025, signing versatile infielder Jonathan Ornelas to a minor league deal. He gets a non-roster invite to MLB Spring Training, so he’ll have a real shot to compete for a big-league spot.

Ornelas isn’t known for his bat, but at 24, he brings defensive versatility and solid infield coverage. That matters, especially now, with the Yankees facing injuries and a bit of uncertainty in their middle infield.

Yankees Add Defensive Specialist to Roster Mix

Ornelas, a former third-round draft pick, bounced between the Rangers and Braves organizations last season. His bat struggled in Triple-A, where he hit just .196/.295/.303 over nearly 400 plate appearances.

Those numbers won’t excite anyone, but his defensive skills make him an interesting option for the Yankees. They’re looking for reliable depth behind their starters, and Ornelas fits that bill defensively.

A Career Built on Versatility

He’s played 32 MLB games so far, with a modest .208 average and no home runs. In Triple-A, he’s posted a .233/.331/.331 line, which really isn’t much better offensively.

But here’s where he stands out: Ornelas can move all over the diamond. He’s played across the infield and even spent some time in the outfield.

That kind of flexibility is something modern teams crave.

Strategic Timing for the Yankees

The Yankees brought in Ornelas while dealing with a key injury in the middle infield. Starting shortstop Anthony Volpe is still recovering from shoulder surgery, so José Caballero looks like the Opening Day shortstop.

That leaves the Yankees needing more infield coverage, especially from guys who can handle multiple spots if injuries or slumps pop up.

Current Infield Depth Chart

Spring Training will feature several names battling for backup roles. Alongside Caballero, the Yankees have Braden Shewmake, Jorbit Vivas, and Oswaldo Cabrera in the mix.

Ornelas will go up against these players, hoping to impress coaches enough to land a bench spot.

• Braden Shewmake – Defensive-first shortstop candidate
• Jorbit Vivas – Developing infield prospect with some upside at second base
• Oswaldo Cabrera – Proven utility guy with MLB experience
• Jonathan Ornelas – New addition with a strong glove

The Minor League Contract & Opt-Out Clause

There’s an interesting wrinkle in Ornelas’s deal: a midseason opt-out clause. If the Yankees don’t add him to the 40-man roster by a set date, he can choose free agency and look for another opportunity.

That gives Ornelas some leverage and a way out if things don’t work out in New York.

What This Means for Spring Training

Ornelas’s signing won’t make national news, but his presence in camp could shake up roster decisions. If he flashes even a bit of offensive improvement and keeps showing his defensive chops, the Yankees might have a low-cost depth piece who can cover shortstop, second, or even the outfield.

Looking Ahead

This is a classic low-risk move for the Yankees. Injuries and depth issues can derail a season fast, so having someone like Jonathan Ornelas ready to step in feels important.

Fans might want to keep an eye on him during Spring Training. Who knows—his glove and flexibility could earn him a spot sooner than expected.

Final Take

Ornelas isn’t here to anchor the lineup. The Yankees want him to strengthen the bench and add some defensive insurance.

With Anthony Volpe’s timeline still up in the air and the infield depth chart shifting, they’re covering their bases. Who knows if Ornelas’s bat will ever match his glove?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees, Jonathan Ornelas Agree To Minor League Deal