David Ortiz's Son Makes Memorable Debut with Red Sox

D'Angelo Ortiz, son of Red Sox legend Big Papi, records first MLB spring training hit

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

David Ortiz's son, D'Angelo, made a special memory during Boston Red Sox spring training, recording his first hit in an MLB exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The younger Ortiz, who was drafted by the Red Sox in 2024, lined a single to right field while batting right-handed, unlike his famous father who was a lefty slugger. Though D'Angelo is not considered a top prospect, the moment was still meaningful as he continues his own baseball journey in the organization his father starred for.

Why it matters

The moment was a touching one for the Ortiz family, as D'Angelo got to experience playing for the Red Sox, the team his father David "Big Papi" Ortiz became a legend with over 14 seasons. While D'Angelo faces an uphill climb to make the major league roster, this spring training hit represents an important milestone in his development and connection to his father's storied career.

The details

D'Angelo Ortiz, the 22-year-old son of Red Sox icon David "Big Papi" Ortiz, recorded his first hit in a MLB spring training game on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Batting right-handed, unlike his father who was a lefty, D'Angelo lined a single to right field in the game. Though he was not considered a top prospect after being drafted in the 19th round in 2024, the moment was still special for the younger Ortiz as he continues his own baseball journey in the Red Sox organization.

  • D'Angelo Ortiz recorded his first MLB spring training hit on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

D'Angelo Ortiz

The 22-year-old son of Red Sox legend David "Big Papi" Ortiz, who was drafted by the Red Sox in the 19th round in 2024.

David "Big Papi" Ortiz

A Red Sox legend who played 14 seasons with the team, making 10 All-Star teams and helping the franchise win 3 World Series titles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Amazing, that was amazing. I played here last year [in a Minor League game], but there weren't fans in the stands. It was definitely exciting to get out there and get that hit. That was really special.”

— David Ortiz

“I haven't touched my phone yet. Hopefully he was watching. If he wasn't watching, we've got a problem.”

— D'Angelo Ortiz

What’s next

D'Angelo Ortiz will continue to compete for a roster spot with the Red Sox during the remainder of spring training, with the hope of potentially making his MLB debut later in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This moment represents an important milestone for D'Angelo Ortiz as he follows in the footsteps of his legendary father David "Big Papi" Ortiz. While he faces an uphill climb to make the major league roster, this first spring training hit shows the younger Ortiz is making strides in his own baseball journey with the Red Sox organization.