Joey Ortiz

Joey Ortiz transformed from a fourth-round college draft pick into the starting shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers with determination and grit.

Joey Ortiz Early Life and College Baseball Journey to the Pros

Joseph Anthony Ortiz was born on July 14, 1998, in Garden Grove, California, where he developed a love for baseball that would shape his entire life. Growing up in Southern California, Joey Ortiz played youth baseball at Cooperstown Dreams Park multiple times, showcasing his talent on one of the most prestigious stages for young players.

Ortiz attended Pacifica High School in Garden Grove, where he recorded a .417 batting average and .969 fielding percentage during his senior year. His impressive high school performance earned him a spot at New Mexico State University, where he would further refine his skills and catch the attention of Major League scouts.

During his college career at New Mexico State, Joey Ortiz demonstrated exceptional versatility and offensive capability. As a freshman, he played 54 games with 53 starts at third base, posting a .979 fielding percentage while batting .306, proving he could handle the demands of collegiate baseball.

Ortiz earned First Team All-Conference honors as a sophomore while playing shortstop, then delivered a breakout junior season with a .422 batting average, eight home runs, 84 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, and 25 doubles. This remarkable performance made him an attractive prospect for the 2019 MLB Draft.

Joey Ortiz MLB Draft Trade to Brewers and Rising Star Status

In the 2019 MLB Draft, the Baltimore Orioles selected Joey Ortiz in the fourth round as the 108th overall pick, signing him to begin his professional career. Ortiz quickly progressed through the minor league system, earning recognition as the seventh-best prospect in the Orioles organization according to Baseball America.

On April 27, 2023, Joey Ortiz made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles, appearing in 15 games and batting .212 with four RBIs during his brief stint in the majors that season. Though his time in Baltimore was short, it provided valuable experience that would prove essential for his future success.

On February 1, 2024, Joey Ortiz was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers along with left-handed pitcher DL Hall and a 2024 Competitive Balance Round A selection in exchange for right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes. This blockbuster trade would change the trajectory of Ortiz's career, giving him the opportunity to become an everyday player.

During his first full season with Milwaukee in 2024, Joey Ortiz played 142 games, hitting .239 with 11 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases while drawing 56 walks. His .329 on-base percentage and solid defensive play at shortstop established him as a key contributor to the Brewers lineup.

Building Consistency and Proving His Worth in Milwaukee

In 2025, Ortiz appeared in 149 games for the Brewers, batting .230 with seven home runs, 45 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. While his offensive numbers dipped slightly, his durability and defensive reliability kept him in the lineup nearly every day, demonstrating his value to the team beyond traditional statistics.

Ortiz played a crucial role in helping the Milwaukee Brewers clinch the 2025 National League Central division title, a achievement that validated the trade that brought him to the organization. His consistent presence at shortstop provided stability to the infield while his baserunning added an extra dimension to the Brewers offense.

During the 2025 postseason, Ortiz appeared in 19 playoff games, though he struggled at the plate with a .105 batting average. The experience of playing in high-pressure situations would prove invaluable as he continued to develop into a more complete major league player.

Legacy and Impact on Modern Baseball

The 2026 season became a career year for Joey Ortiz, who hit .270 with nine home runs, 47 RBIs, and nine stolen bases in 134 games for the Brewers. His .328 on-base percentage and .730 OPS represented significant improvement, showcasing the offensive growth that had been developing throughout his career.

Through the 2026 season, Ortiz has accumulated 320 hits, 27 home runs, and 156 RBIs across four MLB seasons with a .244 career batting average. His journey from a college draftee to an everyday shortstop exemplifies the value of persistence and continuous improvement in professional baseball.

Ortiz continues to play for the Milwaukee Brewers as of 2026, serving as an inspiration to young players who dream of reaching the major leagues through hard work and dedication. His story demonstrates that success in baseball is not always about being the top draft pick but about maximizing every opportunity that comes your way.

The Brewers shortstop has become a fan favorite in Milwaukee, known for his hustle, defensive prowess, and clutch performances when his team needs him most. Joey Ortiz represents the kind of player who may not always grab headlines but whose contributions are essential to building a winning team.