Friday on the Farm: Jonathan Ornelas still cranking out hits at prospect-heavy Frisco

(Frisco RoughRiders)

The star of stars at Double A Frisco is, of course, right-hander Jack Leiter.

He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and entered the system already with star power thanks to a wonderul season at Vanderbilt and the pedigree of being a former MLB pitcher’s son.

But there’s also Dustin Harris, the reigning Rangers Minor League Player of the Year who has hit 10 home runs. That’s one behind first baseman Blaine Crim, who has done nothing but hit since getting drafted in 2019.

Left-hander Cole Ragans, the 2016 first-round pick, has been the best pitcher.

Infielder Ezequiel Duran was so good that he’s now playing third base in the major leagues.

Just behind him is Jonathan Ornelas.

The 2018 third-round pick, behind only right-handers Cole Winn and Owen White, has been hitting above .300 — well above .300 — all season.

It’s not some early-season thing after two months. Ornelas started to break through late last season and now he’s seeing it through.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a breakthrough because I feel like I’ve tried to be pretty consistent,” Ornelas said. “But I do feel like it’s the stretch of performance that I put together since I got drafted.”