Ornelas signed with the Padres in 2016 as an international free agent as a 16-year-old. Now about to turn 26, the native of Tijuana, Mexico, has certainly gone through a few trials and tribulations with the Friars. After reaching minor-league free agency following the 2023 season, the outfielder re-signed with the Padres. Then, he was curiously added to the 40-man roster July 17, 2024, but not called up to the majors.

That didn't happen until Ornelas made his MLB debut on April 19, 2025, when he replaced an injured Jason Heyward on the roster. He played in seven games, sticking in the majors until being sent back to Triple-A El Paso on May 2. He went just 1-for-14 in 16 plate appearances. Just recently, Ornelas was designated for assignment to make room for Griffin Canning on the 40-man roster, though he went unclaimed on waivers and was outrighted to El Paso.

The issue with Ornelas has been his power, or lack thereof. Home runs were supposed to be Ornelas' calling card, but he has hit just 74 in 808 minor-league games over eight seasons. His best showing was 23 at El Paso in 2024, when he was named the Padres' Minor League Player of the Year. He has been a solid hitter, producing a .269/.355/.411 slash line in the minors. He has walked 11.3% of the time and struck out 19.6%, both better than the MLB averages. Defensively, he has played both corner outfield spots, with spot time in center and a handful of games at first base.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of potential here unless he somehow finds his power stroke again. A third straight Opening Day in El Paso is in his future, where he will be waiting for a second call-up should injuries strike the outfield.