Rafael Ortega, Outfield, Chicago Cubs

Date of Birth: 5/15/1991
Birthplace: El Tigre, Venezuela

Rafael Ortega, outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, was first signed by the Colorado Rockies in 2008. He was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers in November, 2013. Two months later, the St. Louis Cardinals claimed him off waivers.

Ortega played in the minor leagues from 2008 through 2015, joining the Rockies for just two games in 2012. As a minor leaguer, he batted .288 with 774 hits, 112 doubles, 192 stolen bases, 305 RBIs, and 429 strikeouts to 276 walks in 703 games. Defensively, as a center fielder, he made 1,311 putouts and 24 errors in 571 games.

Ortega signed with the Los Angeles Angels on December 1, 2015. He played in 66 games with the Angels in 2016, finishing with 43 hits and a .232 batting average. Defensively, he played 46 games in left field, 10 games in center field, and 9 games in right field. He made 103 putouts and 7 errors.

Ortega became a free agent on November 18, 2016. He signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres on December 13th. He spent the 2017 season in the minors.

Ortega elected free agency on November 6, 2017. He signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins on December 15, 2017. He spent most of the 2018 season in the minors. In 41 games with the Marlins, he batted .233.

Ortega became a free agent on October 17, 2018. He signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves on November 18th. He spent most of the 2019 season in the minors, playing in just 34 games with the Braves. He played with them in the postseason, and he had no hits in 3 at-bats in 4 games.

Ortega played only in the Venezuelan Winter League in 2020.

Ortega elected free agency on November 2, 2020. He signed a minor league contract with the Cubs on November 16th. He finished the 2021 season with 86 hits, 14 doubles, 33 RBIs, 70 strikeouts to 30 walks, and a .291 batting average in 103 games.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Rafael Ortega
Baseball Reference - Rafael Ortega