Chicago Cubs outfielder Rafael Ortega had a breakout season in 2021, exceeding expectations with his impressive hitting and base-running abilities. The Cubs held on to him for the 2022 season, but the question remains: Is Ortega still on the Cubs?
Ortega’s 2021 Season
In 2021, the Chicago Cubs outfielder Rafael Ortega had a career year where he compiled impressive offensive numbers in 296 at-bats across 103 games.
He drove in 33 runs, hit 27 extra-base hits, and stole 12 bases, which were well above league-average numbers. However, in the following year, he saw a noticeable regression in his performance.
Ortega played in 103 games where he had 296 at-bats, and he compiled impressive offensive numbers. He hit 27 extra-base hits, which included 12 doubles, 8 triples, and 7 home runs.
Additionally, he stole 12 bases while being caught only twice, which adds to his impressive speed and base-running abilities.
Ortega drove in 33 runs, which was a significant improvement from his previous seasons. He also walked 23 times, which improved his on-base percentage (.326) and lowered his strikeout percentage (24.7%).
Comparison to league-average numbers
Compared to the league-average numbers, Ortega was significantly above average. The league-average OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) in 2021 was .711, while Ortega’s OPS was .869, which was 22% higher.
Additionally, his slugging percentage was .525, while the league average was only .406. Ortega was also above average in other offensive categories, such as runs created and weighted on-base average.
Highlighted offensive success
Ortega’s offensive success was driven by his excellent hitting ability, which was a noticeable improvement from his previous seasons. His hits included multiple doubles and triples, which added to his extra-base hitting capabilities.
Additionally, Ortega’s speed and base running were also significant contributors to his offensive production. His 12 stolen bases ranked him amongst the top 25 of the National League in stolen bases in 2021.
In conclusion, Rafael Ortega compiled impressive offensive numbers in 2021, which were above league-average numbers. He drove in 33 runs, had 27 extra-base hits, and stole 12 bases while compiling a career-best .869 OPS.
However, he saw a noticeable regression in his performance in the following year. Nonetheless, his 2021 season was a significant highlight in his career, where he demonstrated his hitting abilities and speed on the bases.
Cubs’ Decision to Keep Ortega
Reasons why the Cubs decided to keep Ortega
The Chicago Cubs made the decision to keep Rafael Ortega on their roster for the 2022 season. There are several reasons why the team chose to retain the services of the Venezuelan outfielder.
Firstly, Ortega’s performance during the 2021 season was impressive. He compiled well above league-average offensive numbers, displaying his capabilities as a reliable hitter and run producer.
In 103 games, Ortega drove in 33 runs, had 27 extra-base hits, and 12 stolen bases, which were valuable contributions to the Cubs’ success.
Secondly, the Cubs recognized the potential of Ortega. Although he had several years of experience playing in the Major Leagues, Ortega had not been given a significant role in either of his previous teams, the Los Angeles Angels and Miami Marlins.
By providing him with regular playing time, the Cubs expected Ortega to continue developing his skills and evolving as a ballplayer.
Lastly, Ortega’s contract was a critical factor in the Cubs’ decision. He was under team control for the 2022 season, meaning that he was an affordable option for the team.
With the Cubs undergoing a rebuilding process, retaining Ortega’s valuable contributions without committing significant resources to a free-agent outfielder was a sensible decision.
Speculation on his potential role with the team
Following his impressive 2021 campaign, Ortega entered the 2022 season with high expectations. Despite starting off strongly, Ortega saw a dip in performance as the season wore on. Nevertheless, he remained an essential member of the Cubs’ outfield rotation, playing in a career-high 118 games.
For the rest of the season, Ortega’s role with the Cubs could continue in the same vein. The team’s rebuilding process will see them prioritize the development of young players, and with Ortega having already shown some signs of progress, the Cubs may continue to prioritize his growth and development.
However, Ortega’s inconsistent form could see him potentially battle for a regular spot in the Cubs’ outfield. As the team continues to develop young talent, other players could emerge as better options than Ortega.
Still, his experience and ability to produce well-above-average offensive numbers make him a valuable player that the Cubs could choose to retain for future seasons.
Ortega’s 2022 Season
In his 2022 season, Ortega played in 118 games for the Chicago Cubs. While he had a strong performance in 2021, his statistics decreased noticeably in the following year.
During the 2022 season, Ortega compiled a batting average of .239 alongside 6 home runs and 40 RBIs. These numbers are a noticeable regression from his 2021 numbers.
His 2021 season was impressive, as he had well-above-league-average offensive numbers. In 296 at-bats across 103 games, Ortega drove in 33 runs alongside 27 extra-base hits and 12 stolen bases.
He was able to make consistent contact with the ball and hit for power, leading to a batting average of .291 in his 2021 season.
Although Ortega saw increased playing time in 2022, his batting average and power numbers decreased. His on-base percentage decreased by 38 points, and his slugging percentage fell by 112 points.
This decline in performance can be attributed to several factors, such as increased scouting reports, adjustments by opposing pitchers, or simply experiencing a regression to the mean.
Furthermore, Ortega’s strikeout rate also increased in 2022. In his 2021 season, he struck out in only 17.6% of his plate appearances.
However, in 2022, his strikeout rate jumped to 27.9%. This increase in strikeouts shows that Ortega may have struggled with pitch recognition and/or plate discipline compared to the previous year.
Overall, Ortega’s 2022 season was a noticeable step back from his strong performance in 2021. While he was still able to contribute to the Cubs’ offense, his reduced production was a disappointment for both him and the team.
As he continues his career, he will need to make the necessary adjustments to maintain his success at the plate.
Current Status with Cubs
As of the time of writing, Rafael Ortega remains part of the Cubs organization. He is listed as a non-roster invitee to spring training, indicating that he is not currently on the team’s 40-man roster.
Ortega will have to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training, and it remains to be seen whether he will be successful in doing so.
Analysis of his potential future with the team
Ortega’s future with the Cubs is somewhat uncertain. His 2021 season was a nice surprise, as he provided solid offensive production while also being a capable defender at all three outfield positions.
However, his 2022 campaign saw him take noticeable steps backward. Ortega hit just .233 with a .309 on-base percentage, both significant drops from the previous year.
Despite his struggles, it’s not inconceivable that Ortega could still carve out a role on the Cubs in 2022. The team’s outfield is decidedly lacking in established talent, which could open up opportunities for players like Ortega.
However, he’ll need to show that he’s capable of bouncing back from his down year and providing the type of offense that he did in 2021.
Consideration of trade or release options
The Cubs could potentially look to trade Ortega if a team shows interest in him. However, given his lackluster 2022 season, it’s unclear what kind of return the team could expect to get in such a deal.
Alternatively, the Cubs could opt to release Ortega if they don’t see a path to him being a productive member of the team in 2022. Overall, Ortega’s future with the Cubs is somewhat uncertain.
He’ll need to have a strong showing in spring training to prove he’s still a valuable asset to the team, and even then, there’s no guarantee that he’ll see significant playing time during the regular season.
Ultimately, Ortega’s fate will depend on his ability to shake off his 2022 struggles and re-establish himself as a productive major league hitter.
What Team is Rafael Ortega on?
Rafael Ortega – Professional Baseball Player
Rafael Ortega is a professional baseball player who currently plays as an outfielder for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team.
Career in MLB
Ortega started his MLB career in 2012 when he was signed by the Colorado Rockies as an international free agent. He has since played for several other teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Atlanta Braves, and the Miami Marlins.
Current MLB Team
As of 2021, Rafael Ortega is part of the Chicago Cubs MLB team. He was signed as a free agent by the Cubs on February 1, 2021, and he has been playing for them ever since.
Performance in the Current Season
In the 2021 season, Rafael Ortega has been playing exceptionally well for the Chicago Cubs. He has hit several home runs and has been instrumental in helping the team win several crucial games.
Overall Achievements
Over the course of his professional career, Rafael Ortega has established himself as a skilled and talented player.
He has made several contributions to his various teams and has gained a reputation as a reliable and consistent performer. He has also won various accolades and has been recognized for his achievements in the sport.
Is Rafael Ortega Injured?
Rafael Ortega sustains broken finger injury
Rafael Ortega, an outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, has suffered a broken finger which will cause him to miss the remainder of the MLB season.
Incurred injury during a game against the Colorado Rockies
Ortega sustained the injury during a game against the Colorado Rockies when he was hit by a pitch from pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez.
Ortega’s absence will impact Cubs’ postseason run
With Ortega out for the remainder of the season, the Cubs will be missing a key player as they attempt to secure a spot in the postseason.
Ortega’s performance this season
Despite missing some games earlier in the season due to a positive COVID-19 test, Ortega has been an asset to the Cubs this year, posting a .287 batting average and a .816 OPS in 61 games.
Cubs’ options to replace Ortega
With Ortega out, the Cubs will have to turn to other players to fill his absence, potentially relying on the likes of Michael Hermosillo, Ian Happ, or Patrick Wisdom to step up in his place.
What is the Yankees Roster?
The Yankees roster consists of 26 players, divided into 13 pitchers and 13 position players.
Pitchers in the Yankees Roster
Among the pitchers, the Yankees have some dynamic talents like Gerrit Cole, Aroldis Chapman, and Domingo Germán, who are all expected to play a significant role in the team’s success.
Position Players in the Yankees Roster
The Yankees are well-equipped with a talented group of position players, including Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and DJ LeMahieu, who have all been All-Stars in their respective careers.
Strengths of the Yankees Roster
The Yankees roster has an excellent balance of power and finesse, featuring both established veterans and promising young players.
Areas of Improvement for the Yankees Roster
The Yankees need to address the lack of depth in their starting rotation and work on maximizing the offensive potential of some of their younger players to take their roster to the next level.
To Recap
Despite a regression in his performance during the 2022 season, Ortega remains a valuable player on the Cubs’ roster. While his offensive numbers may not be as impressive as they were in 2021, he still has the potential to make an impact on the field.
As the Cubs continue to rebuild their team, it’s likely that Ortega will remain a key player on their roster in the coming years.
