Brief Introduction of Joey Ortiz
Joseph Anthony Ortiz, professionally known as Joey Ortiz, is an accomplished American professional baseball infielder who currently plays for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his exceptional defensive skills and a burgeoning offensive game, Ortiz has quickly established himself as a valuable asset in the major leagues. He made his MLB debut in 2023 with the Baltimore Orioles, the team that drafted him in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB draft. His journey to the majors was marked by a steady rise through the minor league system, where he honed his craft and developed into a promising prospect. A significant trade in early 2024 sent him to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he has since become an integral part of their infield. Ortiz’s career is highlighted by his impressive collegiate performance at New Mexico State University and earning the National League Rookie of the Month award in May 2024, a testament to his growing impact at the highest level of professional baseball. His story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a deep-rooted passion for the game, inspired by a hardworking family background.
Joey Ortiz Overview
| Full Name | Joseph Anthony Ortiz |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1998 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 27 |
| Birthplace | Garden Grove, California |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Infielder |
| Husband/Wife | Iliana Ortiz |
| Family | Juan Ortiz (Father), Denise Ortiz (Mother), Matthew Ortiz (Brother), Jonathan Ortiz (Brother), Desiree Ortiz (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million |
Early Life and Education of Joey Ortiz
Joey Ortiz was born on July 14, 1998, in Garden Grove, California, to Juan and Denise Ortiz. Growing up in a household that valued hard work and dedication, Ortiz was instilled with a strong work ethic from a young age. His father, Juan, worked in construction, often waking up before dawn for strenuous work, yet always found the time to nurture his son’s passion for baseball. This upbringing had a profound impact on Ortiz, who credits his parents’ sacrifices for his opportunity to pursue a professional baseball career. His father coached him from the tender age of three until he entered high school, laying the foundation for the player he would become. Ortiz is one of four siblings, with two brothers, Matthew and Jonathan, and a sister, Desiree. He attended Pacifica High School in Garden Grove, where he was a standout player on the baseball team. In his senior year in 2016, he posted an impressive .417 batting average with six triples. Despite his high school success, he went unselected in the 2016 Major League Baseball draft. This led him to enroll at New Mexico State University, where he would continue his baseball journey and further develop his skills at the collegiate level.
Joey Ortiz’s Career
Joey Ortiz’s collegiate baseball career at New Mexico State University was nothing short of spectacular. As a freshman in 2017, he immediately made an impact, hitting .306 with 14 extra-base hits and 35 RBIs in 55 games. His sophomore season in 2018 saw him bat .289 with seven home runs and 54 RBIs. His junior year in 2019 was his breakout season, as he batted an astounding .422 with eight home runs, 84 RBIs, and 25 doubles, making him one of five finalists for the Brooks Wallace Award, given to the nation’s top college shortstop. His exceptional performance caught the attention of MLB scouts, and he was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB draft.
Ortiz began his professional career with the Aberdeen IronBirds, a Class A Short Season affiliate of the Orioles. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season, briefly pausing his progression. In 2021, a shoulder injury limited him to just 35 games between the Aberdeen IronBirds and the Bowie Baysox. He returned healthy in 2022 and had a strong season, splitting his time between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk, where he hit a combined .284 with 19 home runs and 85 RBIs. On April 27, 2023, his hard work and perseverance paid off when he was called up to the major leagues for the first time by the Baltimore Orioles. He made his MLB debut that same day. In his rookie season with the Orioles, he appeared in 15 games.
A pivotal moment in Ortiz’s career came on February 1, 2024, when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers as part of a package for All-Star pitcher Corbin Burnes. This trade provided Ortiz with a significant opportunity for more consistent playing time at the major league level. He made the Brewers’ Opening Day roster and quickly became a key part of their infield. In May 2024, his performance surged, and he was named the National League Rookie of the Month. This recognition solidified his place as a rising star in the league. As the 2025 season commenced, Ortiz took over as the starting shortstop for the Brewers, following the departure of Willy Adames.
Joey Ortiz Personal Life & Family
Joey Ortiz’s personal life is grounded in family and the values he learned from his parents, Juan and Denise Ortiz. Their unwavering support and hardworking nature have been a constant source of inspiration for him. He has three siblings: brothers Matthew and Jonathan, and a sister named Desiree. In January 2025, Joey Ortiz married his wife, Iliana. The couple’s wedding was a joyous occasion, celebrated with family, friends, and teammates. Outside of baseball, Ortiz has a few known interests. He is a fan of the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoys the outdoors and went hunting for the first time in the 2023-24 offseason with his former New Mexico State teammate, Nick Gonzales.
Awards and Achievements of Joey Ortiz
- National League Rookie of the Month (May 2024)
- Brooks Wallace Award Finalist (2019)
- First Team All-Conference in the WAC (2018)
- MiLB.com Organization All-Star (2022)
- Eastern League Player of the Week (July 31, 2022)
Joey Ortiz Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Joey Ortiz’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. His primary source of income is his salary from his Major League Baseball contracts. For the 2024 season, his contract with the Milwaukee Brewers was for $741,500. In 2025, his pre-arbitration salary is reported to be $776,000, and it is projected to be $820,000 in 2026. His career earnings are expected to grow significantly as he becomes eligible for arbitration in 2027 and potential free agency in 2030. Prior to his major league career, he received a signing bonus of $450,000 after being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019. Information regarding any additional income from endorsements or other business ventures is not publicly available.
Legacy and Influence
While still early in his career, Joey Ortiz is already building a legacy as a premier defensive infielder in Major League Baseball. His scouting reports have consistently praised his elite glove work, instincts, and arm strength. His ability to make difficult plays look routine has a significant impact on the field, providing valuable support to his pitching staff. His trade to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for a top-tier pitcher like Corbin Burnes underscores the high value that organizations place on his defensive skills and potential. As he continues to develop his offensive game to complement his defensive prowess, his influence on the Brewers and his standing in the league are poised to grow. He serves as an inspiration for aspiring baseball players who may be overlooked in the draft, demonstrating that dedication and continuous improvement can lead to a successful career at the highest level.
Interesting Facts about Joey Ortiz
- His father, Juan Ortiz, was his baseball coach from the age of three until high school.
- He was a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award in 2019, an honor given to the best collegiate shortstop in the country.
- He is a fan of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers.
- In the offseason, he enjoys hunting.
- He made his Major League Baseball debut on April 27, 2023, for the Baltimore Orioles.
Controversies
Joey Ortiz’s career has been largely free of major off-the-field controversies. However, in the 2025 season, he faced some on-field scrutiny regarding his offensive performance. Some media outlets and fans labeled him as the team’s “worst player” despite his positive Wins Above Replacement (WAR) rating, which measures a player’s overall contribution to the team. This sparked a debate about the value of a defensively gifted player who may have offensive struggles. Additionally, in July 2025, Brewers manager Pat Murphy publicly expressed his frustration with Ortiz’s approach at the plate, leading to him being benched for a couple of games. This public criticism, while not a long-term issue, was a notable point of contention during the season.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Joey Ortiz
Joey Ortiz’s journey in professional baseball is a compelling narrative of talent, hard work, and the ability to overcome challenges. From his standout collegiate career to his promising start in the major leagues, he has consistently demonstrated the skills and determination required to succeed at the elite level. His trade to the Milwaukee Brewers has provided him with a platform to showcase his exceptional defensive abilities and to continue to grow as a hitter. As he moves forward in his career, the focus will be on achieving greater consistency at the plate to match his stellar defense. With a strong support system in his family and a proven track record of dedication, Joey Ortiz is well-positioned to be a significant contributor to the Milwaukee Brewers and a respected infielder in Major League Baseball for years to come. The future looks bright for this talented and hardworking athlete.
