Luis Ortiz
Age: 22
2018 Level: AA/AAA/MAJ
2018 Stats
Current/Future/Ceiling Grades: 40/45/50
What we know:
One of the key pieces in the Jonathan Schoop trade, Ortiz brings a solid fastball, slider combination to the mound with some pitchability. Ortiz’s fastball sits 92-95 and will touch 96 on occasion with good arm-side run. His best offspeed pitch is his slider that can flash plus on occasion. The changeup is his third pitch and still need to develop. While some believe he profiles as a starter, others believe his fastball-slider combination will play up in a relief role. He’s a body kid who has struggled to keep his weight in check and looked out of shape when he made his major league debut last September.
What we don’t know:
Will his changeup develop? Can he get and stay in shape? Does he have a pitch that can miss enough bats. Can he find a pitch to get lefties out consistently?
What we think:
In his third organization, Ortiz has to get serious about his body and fitness if he’s to reach his ceiling as a back end starter. He’ll also need his changeup to come around as well. At 23-years old next year, the Orioles will give him every opportunity to stick as a starter, but it would not surprise us if his best role in the major leagues ends up in the bullpen.
