The New York Mets have bolstered their outfield by acquiring speedy center fielder José Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for reliever Eric Orze. This move adds a dynamic defensive presence to the Mets’ roster while also addressing a key positional need.
Siri, 29, is known for his elite speed and defensive prowess. He ranked second among MLB outfielders in 2023 with 17 outs above average, making him one of the game’s premier defensive players. Offensively, Siri struggled at the plate this past season, hitting .187 with 18 home runs, 47 RBIs, and a .620 OPS over a career-high 130 games. Despite the low batting average, his power and speed make him an intriguing addition.
In his four seasons split between the Astros and Rays, Siri has a .210 career average with 54 home runs, 136 RBIs, and 43 stolen bases in 56 attempts. His best offensive campaign came in 2023 when he batted .222 with 25 home runs and 56 RBIs in just 101 games for Tampa Bay.
For the Mets, Siri fills the void left by Harrison Bader, who recently became a free agent. Like Bader, Siri offers excellent defense and speed but has struggled with consistency at the plate. His flashy playing style has occasionally drawn criticism, but his ability to cover ground in center field makes him a valuable asset for New York.
Siri joins a Mets outfield that includes Tyrone Taylor and Brandon Nimmo, providing manager Buck Showalter with a versatile and athletic option in center.
Eric Orze, heading to Tampa Bay, is an inspiring story. The 27-year-old right-hander overcame both skin and testicular cancer during his college years at the University of New Orleans. Orze was a fifth-round draft pick in 2020 and made his MLB debut in 2023, appearing in two games for the Mets. He posted a 6-1 record with a 2.92 ERA and three saves in 43 Triple-A appearances last season.
This trade showcases the Mets’ efforts to improve defensively while providing the Rays with a promising bullpen arm. Both teams gain pieces that align with their strategic goals for the 2024 season.
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