Brewers Steal Ornelas From A’s in Stunning Swap
Brewers and Athletics Make Surprise Trade: Jonathan Ornelas Heads to Milwaukee
TL;DR: The Milwaukee Brewers acquired infielder Jonathan Ornelas from the Oakland Athletics for cash. Ornelas will play tonight against the Dodgers, and Jihwan Bae will be removed from the roster to make room. This trade happened after the deadline because of a special loophole.
What Happened? The Trade in Simple Terms
Think of this like a last-minute classroom seat swap—but with baseball players and special rules.
- The Deal: The Oakland Athletics sent Jonathan Ornelas to the Milwaukee Brewers.
- The Price: Milwaukee paid cash considerations (money, not another player).
- The Timing: This happened after the August 3 trade deadline—which is usually a hard stop for trades.
- The Result: Ornelas is expected to be active for tonight’s game vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- The Cost: To make room, the Brewers will designate Jihwan Bae for assignment (DFA)—meaning he’s removed from the 40-man roster and could be claimed, traded, or sent to the minors.
Why This Trade Is Unusual: The "Loophole" Explained
Normally, once the trade deadline passes, teams cannot trade players on their 40-man roster. But Ornelas slipped through a crack in the rules. Here’s how:
The Sequence of Events (Step-by-Step)
- Ornelas was on the A’s 40-man roster and playing in the majors last week.
- He was designated for assignment (DFA’d) earlier this week—removed from the 40-man roster.
- He elected free agency instead of accepting a minor league assignment.
- He re-signed with the A’s on a minor league contract—not a major league one.
- Because he’s not on a 40-man roster right now, he can be traded even after the deadline.
Important Callout: This is rare! Most players DFA’d after the deadline are stuck. Ornelas became a free agent and re-signed a minor league deal, which reset his trade eligibility.
What Happens Next? Immediate Impact
For the Brewers
- Ornelas joins the active roster for tonight’s game vs. Dodgers.
- Adds right-handed bat and versatility (can play 2B, 3B, SS).
- Jihwan Bae is DFA’d—his time in Milwaukee likely ends unless he clears waivers.
For the Athletics
- Receive cash—helps payroll flexibility.
- Lose a depth piece they just re-signed, but he wasn’t in their immediate plans.
For Jonathan Ornelas
- Second chance in the majors this week.
- Could stick if he produces—Brewers need infield help.
Important Rules Made Simple
| Term | ELI5 Explanation |
|---|---|
| 40-Man Roster | The list of players a team "owns" rights to. Only these guys can be called up to the majors. |
| Designated for Assignment (DFA) | "You’re off the 40-man roster. We have 7 days to trade you, release you, or send you to the minors." |
| Cash Considerations | "We’ll pay you money instead of giving you a player." |
| Trade Deadline (Aug 3) | Last day to trade players on the 40-man roster. After this, only non-40-man players can move. |
| Minor League Deal | A contract for the minors only. No guaranteed MLB spot, no 40-man roster spot. |
Summary
- Brewers get: Jonathan Ornelas (utility infielder, righty bat) for cash.
- A’s get: Cash savings and roster flexibility.
- Why it worked: Ornelas was DFA’d → became a free agent → signed a minor league deal → not on 40-man roster → eligible for post-deadline trade.
- Tonight: Ornelas in the lineup vs. Dodgers. Bae DFA’d to make room.
- Big picture: Smart, creative roster maneuvering by Milwaukee.
FAQ
Can any player be traded after the deadline like this?
No. Only players not on a 40-man roster can be traded after August 3. Ornelas qualified because he signed a minor league deal after being DFA’d.
What does "designated for assignment" mean for Jihwan Bae?
He’s off the 40-man roster. The Brewers have 7 days to trade him, release him, or send him outright to the minors (if he clears waivers).
Why would the A’s trade a guy they just re-signed?
They didn’t need him on the 40-man roster, and getting cash for a player they were okay losing is a win.
Is Ornelas good?
He’s a depth piece—not a star, but versatile and right-handed. The Brewers likely see him as a short-term bench option with upside.
Could this happen again this season?
Yes, but rarely. It requires a very specific chain: DFA → free agency → minor league deal → trade. Most teams don’t go through all those steps.
Article based on reporting from Adam McCalvy (MLB.com) and MLB Trade Rumors. Transaction details subject to official confirmation.