Will Rafael Ortega secure a spot in Yankees' left field for Opening Day? Examining veteran journeyman's chances

The New York Yankees recently signed Rafael Ortega to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. The Venezuelan outfielder now finds himself vying for a spot on the Yankees roster, thanks to an assured performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a spring training game on Thursday.

The Yankees' left-field conundrum seems far from resolved ahead of Opening Day. Aaron Hicks was the go-to starting option for left field in 2022. He made over 46 starts, however the fact that the Yankees were open to trading him in the winter means he didn't particularly inspire confidence within the management.

Then there's Estevan Florial, whose career has been interrupted by injuries, limiting him to under 30 starts over three seasons in the major leagues.

Amid all this, the experienced Rafael Ortega provides an enticing option for the Yankees to consider in left field for Opening Day. In the spring game against the Pirates, he did his chances no harm with a two-run homer in the second inning and an RBI triple three innings later.

The former Chicago Cubs outfielder appeared to be ticking all the right boxes during Spring Training, giving the Bombers' coaching staff a welcome selection headache ahead of the 2023 MLB Opening Day.

Rafael Ortega had stints with multiple franchises before joining the Yankees

Fans cheer as Rafael Ortega #66 of the Chicago Cubs runs the bases after hitting a two run, walk-off home run in the 9th inning against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field on August 23, 2021, in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Rockies 6-4.

Rafael Ortega made his MLB debut for the Colorado Rockies in 2012, having joined the franchise as an amateur free agent in 2008. Between 2013 and 2015, he was claimed by the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers.

He then signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2015. This stint followed minor league deals with the San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves.

In 2021, Ortega joined the Chicago Cubs as a non-roster invitee. He made it to the active roster in May 2021 and had an impactful season, slashing .291/.360/.463. His 2022 season was not so successful, however. He became a free agent in November 2022.