MLB Trade News: Atlanta Braves & Texas Rangers Swing A Deal

The Atlanta Braves have acquired some infield depth in a trade with the Texas Rangers. After being designated for assignment last week, slick-fielding 24-year-old infielder Jonathan Ornelas is now heading to the ATL for that old standby, cash considerations.

The #Braves today acquired INF Jonathan Ornelas from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations, and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 24, 2025

The Braves have optioned Ornelas to their Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett.

He can play second base, shortstop and third base, and even some outfield. In a brief cup of coffee with the Rangers last season, he flashed his defense, even earning the MLB Play of the Week on a throw from shortstop last July.

Jonathan Ornelas did his best Derek Jeter impression for this week's @Chevrolet Electric Play of the Week! pic.twitter.com/F0iatBON1b
— MLB (@MLB) July 29, 2024

The down side of that day for Ornelas, however, is that he was optioned to the minors right after the game.

He played in 18 games with Texas in 2024, batting just .216. He played five different positions in that short time with the big club. He got into eight games in 2023, and has played in four games this season.

At Triple-A Round Rock this year, he was batting .209 with a .339 on-base percentage.

Ornelas was a third-round draft pick by Texas out of high school back in 2018. His best season in the minors, in 2022, he hit .299 in Double-A, with 14 homers and 14 stolen bases.

As for the Braves, they DFA'd former All-Star shortstop Orlando Arcia yesterday, perhaps leaving a path to moving up into a defensive, bench role for Ornelas if he picks up his offense just a bit.

His career slash line in 54 major league plate appearances is .184/.250/.232.