Forgotten former Cubs outfielder scrambling for a path back to the majors

Once the Chicago Cubs tore down the core that won the 2016 World Series in 2021, the Major League roster for the team became a walking immaculate grid answer. The likes of Patrick Wisdom, Frank Schwindel, and Rafael Ortega took center stage for the Cubs as the priority became rebuilding their farm system. Schwindel and Wisdom have since found baseball success on the international scale, but Ortega has been fighting for a path back to the Major League level.

After spending most of the 2025 season in the New York Mets' minor-league system, Ortega was granted his release earlier this week. Injuries limited Ortega to 103 plate appearances this season across four levels. Ortega was slashing .231/.301/.418 with 3 home runs before his release.

The best season of Ortega's career came during his time with the Cubs in 2021. In 330 plate appearances, Ortega slashed .291/.360/.463 with a career-high 11 home runs. With the success he had, there was some belief that Ortega could be a valuable piece on the next contending Cubs team. However, 2022 would prove to be his final season on the North Side. Ortega posted an OPS+ of 93 in 2022, and it became clear toward the end of the season that his future wasn't going to be with the Cubs.

Once-beloved Cubs outfielder Rafael Ortega refuses to give up MLB dream

Ortega's last appearances at the Major League level came with the Chicago White Sox last season. It was a forgettable run as Ortega collected 1 hit in 17 plate appearances during his time with the White Sox.

With the hamstring injury he suffered earlier this season now behind him, Ortega could be an option for a team in need of a fourth outfielder for the rest of the season. The Cubs wouldn't be one of those teams, considering the team added Willi Castro at the trade deadline and recently promoted Owen Caissie for his Major League debut.

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