The Boston Red Sox are gearing up for the 2025 Major League Baseball season with a strong desire for redemption. Among the players in Spring Training is D’Angelo Ortiz, the son of baseball legend David Ortiz, who is determined to prove himself and shut down accusations of nepotism.
Being Big Papi’s son didn’t automatically earn D’Angelo a spot on the Red Sox. He was selected late in the 2024 MLB Draft, at No. 567, and instead of a multi-million dollar contract, he signed for just $150,000. While scouts don’t view him as one of the top prospects, his strong work ethic has caught attention, and he’s focused on earning his place on merit, not his last name.
“The least I can do is show how serious I am about this. I just want to prove that taking a chance on me isn’t based on my name or anything like that,” D’Angelo said after being drafted by the Red Sox.
While the weight of his famous name may be undeniable, D’Angelo’s experience growing up at Fenway Park, alongside his father and the baseball stars he admired as a child, could be invaluable in his journey to the Major Leagues. The lessons of hard work and dedication that he absorbed from his father will surely guide him in his career.
“My passion is baseball,” D’Angelo shared in an interview with The Athletic. “But if I grew up wanting to be a doctor, I’m sure I would do everything I could to be the best doctor I could be.”
Of course, D’Angelo can’t escape the fact that his father played with key figures in the Red Sox organization, such as manager Alex Cora, baseball director Craig Breslow, and coach Jason Varitek—all of whom knew him as a child.
“Part of that is proving that I’m not just a kid who wants to run around and be in the shadow,” D’Angelo said. “Whether it’s playing in the infield, outfield, or being a designated hitter, I want to make the most of who I am.”
