D’Angelo Ortiz, the son of Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz, earned a promotion on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old was promoted from the rookie-level Florida Complex League Red Sox to Low-A Salem. Through 51 games in the FCL, he slashed .273/.384/.305 with 18 RBI, 12 stolen bases, 34 strikeouts, and 27 walks.
Ortiz has played 39 games at first base and 13 at third base this season. The Red Sox initially selected him out of Miami Dade Community College in the 19th round (567th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder has showcased impressive bat-to-ball skills, but his father’s power doesn’t appear to have been passed down. D’Angelo Ortiz has yet to record his first professional home run, and he didn’t homer in his previous two seasons (54 games) with the Brockton Rox of the Futures Collegiate League of New England.
Ortiz will have to find some pop at the plate to continue his rise in the Red Sox organization. That said, it’s unfair to compare him to arguably the greatest hitter in franchise history. He’ll look to carve out his own identity on his road to the big leagues.
