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Rays trade struggling center fielder to the Mets for minor league pitcher

ByMason Stacy|
Sep 8, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jose Siri (22) warms up before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jose Siri (22) warms up before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images | Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Rays have dealt speedy outfielder, Jose Siri to the New York Mets for 27-year old right-handed pitcher, Eric Orze. Siri spent three seasons in Tampa Bay from 2022-2024. The Dominican-born athlete was awarded the starting center field job prior to the 2024 campaign. He split time at this prime position with fellow outfielder, Manuel Margot during the previous two seasons.

In the 26-year old's stint with the Rays, he slashed a mediocre .210/.266/.408 while accumulating 360 strikeouts in only 287 games. In fact, since 2022, Jose Siri leads the American League in strikeout percentage with a whopping 35% clip. To make matters worse, he doesn't walk often either, causing him to be a major offensive liability.

Jose Siri
Sep 19, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jose Siri (22) runs the bases against the Boston Red Sox in the third inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The one bright spot from this outfielder's offense is his boost in power. Siri mashed a career-high 25 homers in 101 games in 2023. This all-or-nothing approach was actually detrimental for a Rays offense that is already known for struggles on that side of the game.

In return for our center fielder, the Rays acquired minor league pitcher, Eric Orze. The University of New Orleans product was drafted by the Mets in the 5th round of the 2020 MLB draft. Orze excelled in the their farm system as he was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse within the first season. During that 2021 year, the right-handed reliever hurled 49.2 innings, recording a 3.08 ERA and 67 strikeouts.

Orze spent three more seasons with the Syracuse Mets as he experienced up and down results. Regardless, the Illinois native was called up to the major leagues on July 6th, 2024. After only one major league appearance, Orze was optioned back to Triple-A. Unfortunately, he relieved Mets starter, Christian Scott in the 6th inning and was unable to record an out against the Pirates. Orze gave up two singles, a double, and a home run to the brother of Richie Palacios, Joshua Palacios.

Eric Orze
Feb 25, 2023; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Eric Orze (92) checks the runner at first base during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

We believe that he certainly hasn't been given the chance that he deserves in the big leagues and hopefully the Rays can spark the immense potential that he has. There is no question that the former Met has unbelievable strength and determination, as he was able to overcome testicular and skin cancer while playing collegiate ball in Louisiana.

According to MLB.com, Orze underwent several surgeries when he was only 21 years of age. His relentless will power has allowed him to reach the highest level of this professional sport. Now, we will be able to witness his amazing grit in Tampa Bay blue.

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