Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 40

Mostly a shortstop when he was in his high school days at IMG Academy, Ortiz was a 20th-round pick by the Nationals in the 2022 Draft, but opted to head to Chipola College rather than sign. An infielder who pitched occasionally initially, scouts started to prefer him on the mound because of his arm strength and athleticism while on the hill. The Reds took him in Round 17 in 2023 as a pitcher, going a bit over Day 3 pick value to sign him for $225,000. Pitching full-time for the first time, he’s being brought along slowly, throwing 16 1/3 innings between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A in 2024, but taking a nice step forward in usage and results with Daytona in '25.

A 6-foot right-hander, Ortiz’s athleticism and ease of operation point to upside he’s just starting to tap into on the mound. He can really pitch with his fastball-changeup combination, with a heater he throws in the 92-96 mph range that features some arm side run. His 84-89 mph changeup can be a very effective secondary offering and there’s feel to spin an 83-86 mph slider, with the cambio rating higher than the breaker.

While Ortiz is still learning his craft, he has a loose and easy arm action and shows an ability to find the strike zone. He pitches very confidently and the Reds think he has starting pitcher upside as he advances.

Video scouting report »

Hitting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 40

Pitching grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 40

Ortiz first jumped on the map as a 2022 Draft prospect at the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy in Puerto Rico. He moved to Florida for better competition and more exposure at IMG Academy. Scouts who came in to see potential top-of-the-Draft outfielder Elijah Green also got to evaluate Ortiz, who has potential both in the infield and on the mound.

Most believe Ortiz’s future is on the dirt, and all signs point to him preferring to be a position player at the next level. There’s no doubt he can play shortstop for a very long time, with a plus arm, good range and loose, easy actions. The bat is behind the glove, but he does have a loose and easy swing from the right side and he makes a lot of contact. A lack of physicality was a concern in terms of impacting the ball, but he had added some strength between the summer and early spring, even though his offensive performance tapered off as this season wore on.

If the bat doesn’t come around, Ortiz has plenty of upside on the mound, with some scouts wondering if he’d be better off there to begin with. Without much instruction, or perceived desire to excel, he’s been up to 95 mph with his fastball, sitting 92-93 mph with ease while flashing an average slider and a little feel for a changeup. A team that signs him away from his Florida International commitment could send him out as a shortstop knowing the mound is a very viable Plan B.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	07/31/2024	RHP JeanPierre Ortiz assigned to Daytona Tortugas from ACL Reds.
	06/17/2024	ACL Reds activated SS JeanPierre Ortiz.
	05/24/2024	SS JeanPierre Ortiz assigned to ACL Reds.
	05/24/2024	Cincinnati Reds signed free agent SS JeanPierre Ortiz to a minor league contract.
	04/03/2024	Falmouth Commodores activated SS JeanPierre Ortiz.
	04/03/2024	TWP JeanPierre Ortiz assigned to Falmouth Commodores.
	06/11/2022	SS JeanPierre Ortiz assigned to College Workout.
	06/11/2022	College Workout activated SS JeanPierre Ortiz.
	09/29/2021	SS JeanPierre Ortiz and assigned to West.
	07/13/2021	PG National 5 - Maroon activated SS Jean Pierre Ortiz.
	07/08/2021	National activated SS Jean Pierre Ortiz.
	07/08/2021	National activated SS Jean Pierre Ortiz.
	06/04/2021	High School Workout activated SS JeanPierre Ortiz.