Mets Acquire Defensive Star Jose Siri from Rays in Exchange for Reliever Eric Orze
In a surprising move, the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays have announced a one-for-one trade that will send outfielder Jose Siri to the Mets in exchange for reliever Eric Orze. Both players were already on their respective teams’ 40-man rosters, so this deal doesn’t have any immediate impact on the Rule 5 protection deadline. While the trade may not be earth-shattering, it offers a glimpse into the future direction both teams are taking.
Jose Siri’s Power and Elite Defense in Play for the Mets
For the Mets, adding Jose Siri, 29, gives them a new option in center field, albeit one with both exciting upside and notable drawbacks. Siri, known for his blazing speed and elite defensive skills, spent two and a half seasons in Tampa Bay after being acquired from the Houston Astros in a three-team trade during the 2022 deadline. He emerged as the Rays’ primary center fielder, thanks to his combination of power and defensive prowess, but his struggles at the plate have long limited his overall value.
In 2023, Siri flashed potential with 25 home runs in just 364 plate appearances, but his batting average (.222) and on-base percentage (.267) left much to be desired. His offensive woes only deepened in 2024, as he slashed a dismal.187/.255/.366 across a career-high 448 plate appearances. Despite hitting 18 home runs, Siri ranked dead last in OBP among the 207 hitters with at least 400 trips to the plate, and his batting average was among the worst in the league.
Still, it’s hard to ignore Siri’s elite athleticism and impact in the field. He has the speed of a track star and the arm strength to match, making him one of the best defensive outfielders in the game. Siri posted a 12 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) rating in just over 1,000 innings in 2024, while Statcast rated him 15 runs above average. By Outs Above Average, Siri ranked as one of the top outfielders in terms of defensive value, proving that his glove is a game-changer. If the Mets can help him find consistency at the plate, Siri could be a valuable asset.
However, he figures to slot behind Tyrone Taylor on New York’s depth chart. Both are right-handed hitters, so they may not form a natural platoon, and Taylor offers better contact skills. In many ways, Siri’s profile mirrors that of Harrison Bader, who played a similar role for the Mets this past season with great defense but shaky offensive numbers. Like Bader, Siri is an affordable option; he’s in his first arbitration year and is projected to earn just $2.3 million in 2025.
The Rays Opt for Bullpen Depth
On the flip side, the Tampa Bay Rays continue to build depth in their bullpen with the acquisition of Eric Orze, 27, a right-handed reliever who was drafted by the Mets in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. While Orze has only made two brief appearances for New York at the MLB level, his time at Triple-A Syracuse in 2024 shows promise. Orze posted an impressive 2.92 ERA over 61.2 innings, striking out nearly a third of batters he faced. However, he also struggled with control, walking 12.5% of hitters, which has limited his effectiveness in high-leverage situations.
Orze’s primary weapon is his changeup, but he also relies on a fastball that sits around 93-94 MPH. Despite his lack of major league experience, Orze’s strong numbers in Triple-A suggest that he could be a valuable addition to the Rays’ bullpen, which has been a strong point for the team in recent seasons. He’ll likely be used in middle relief, but with the ability to be optioned back to Triple-A Durham, Orze provides the Rays with another option to rotate in and out of their bullpen as needed.
A Shift for Both Teams
While this trade doesn’t have the splash of some of the bigger moves in the MLB offseason, it signals a shift for both the Mets and Rays. The Mets are banking on Siri’s defensive ability and hoping his bat can be a work-in-progress project as they look to add stability to their outfield. For Tampa Bay, this move strengthens an already solid bullpen and adds another potential piece for the long haul as they continue to fine-tune their roster for the 2025 season.
For the Mets, Siri represents a high-risk, high-reward play—an outfielder with elite tools but major offensive inconsistencies. If the Mets can help him find some balance at the plate, he could be an important piece in their outfield, but for now, he remains a project. For the Rays, the trade reflects their focus on maintaining bullpen depth and getting a fresh start with some younger arms, which could pay off in the long term.
Ultimately, this trade is about finding the right fit for both teams. The Rays continue to build from their bullpen while the Mets aim to solidify their outfield and maximize their defensive potential. Only time will tell if Siri’s bat can catch up to his glove, or if Orze can evolve into a reliable bullpen arm for Tampa Bay.
