The San Diego Padres watched their 2024 left fielder Jurickson Profar sign a free agent deal with the Atlanta Braves earlier this offseason. The move dashed the hopes of Padres fans who wondered if the fan favorite would return to San Diego.
The departure of Profar created a vacancy in the outfield and has presented an opportunity for long-time minor leaguer Tirso Ornelas.
Padres fans are familiar with Ornelas and many called for him to get a big league opportunity last season before Profar signed a $1 million deal to play left field. Ornelas has been a solid contributor at the minor league level since he began playing in the San Diego system in 2017.