Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 45 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
Signed from the same Mexico Red City Devils team that produced Luis Urias and Andres Munoz, Ornelas landed a $1.5 million bonus from the Padres in 2016. In a system that has no shortage of homegrown position-playing prospects from the international ranks, it's Ornelas who might have the highest ceiling. He offered a taste of his abilities in 2017 during his pro debut, slashing .276/.399/.408 with 17 extra-base hits and a 16.8 percent walk rate in the Rookie-level Arizona League. In 2018, he recorded a .732 OPS as an 18-year-old, punching well above his weight in the often-tricky Midwest League.
At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Ornelas shows the makings an impact player with his size, athleticism and array of tools. He's a very advanced hitter with a fluid but explosive left-handed swing. Ultimately, it could translate to above-average power as Ornelas grows into his projectable frame and learns to hit the ball in the air. He hasn't quite tapped into that raw power just yet, but he's well beyond his years with his approach. Ornelas has a knack for recognizing pitches and a willingness to take a walk.
Ornelas has played some center field at the lower levels, but he's unlikely to stay there. He's a fringe-average runner and could lose a step with physical development. That likely will push Ornelas to either right or left field, where his offensive profile and above-average arm strength are clean fits. Transactions Team Date Transaction 08/13/2019 RF Tirso Ornelas assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm from AZL Padres 1. 07/15/2019 RF Tirso Ornelas assigned to AZL Padres 1 from AZL Padres 2. 07/06/2019 RF Tirso Ornelas assigned to AZL Padres 2 from Lake Elsinore Storm. 04/01/2019 RF Tirso Ornelas assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm from Fort Wayne TinCaps. 03/05/2019 RF Tirso Ornelas assigned to San Diego Padres. 12/04/2018 Yaquis de Obregon placed CF Tirso Ornelas on the reserve list. 11/09/2018 CF Tirso Ornelas assigned to Yaquis de Obregon. 09/26/2018 Fort Wayne TinCaps activated RF Tirso Ornelas from the 7-day injured list. 07/24/2018 Fort Wayne TinCaps placed RF Tirso Ornelas on the 7-day disabled list. 04/01/2018 RF Tirso Ornelas assigned to Fort Wayne TinCaps from AZL Padres 2. 03/04/2018 CF Tirso Ornelas assigned to San Diego Padres. 06/24/2017 CF Tirso Ornelas assigned to AZL Padres 2. 03/31/2017 San Diego Padres signed OF Tirso Ornelas. 03/31/2017 OF Tirso Ornelas assigned to San Diego Padres.
