Jhailyn Ortiz Returns to Kansas City
Kansas City, KS — Hard hitting first baseman and outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz has rejoined the Kansas City Monarchs for the 2026 season. Ortiz, 27 was in his second season with Kansas City, when his contract was transferred to Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League early in 2025. Born in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic the right-handed hitter hit three home runs and four doubles in 22 games with the Monarchs in 2025 before going to Monclova.
“Ortiz is a great addition to our club – he knows the Monarchs, he knows Legends Field. He brings a lot to our team” Monarchs manager Joe Calfapietra said.
Ortiz spent seven seasons in the Phillies’ system, two of which netted league All-Star honors. He also played in big-league spring training for four straight seasons, most recently in 2023. Ortiz was a top international signing – ranked the Phillies’ No. 7 prospect in 2018 by Baseball America.
In his first season with the Monarchs in 2024 Ortiz had a .342 batting average and .935 OPS over 21 games with 4 home runs and 12 RBI in 21 games.
The Monarchs start training camp at Legends Field on May 2nd. Their season kicks off against the Kane County Cougars in Illinois on May 15th with their home opener on May 19th against the Chicago Dogs. Tickets are on sale now at monarchsbaseball.com. To view the 2026 schedule, fans can visit monarchsbaseball.com/schedule/
About the Kansas City Monarchs:
The Kansas City Monarchs are a professional baseball team in the American Association, an MLB Partner League. 2026 will be their 23rd season at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2020, the team partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and changed their name from the T-Bones to the Monarchs in honor of the legendary Negro League franchise that played from 1920 to 1965.
