Eric Orze – Tampa Bay Rays Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Eric Orze stands out as one of baseball’s most inspiring comeback stories. Born on August 21, 1997, in Elk Grove, Illinois, Orze beat both testicular cancer and skin cancer before the New York Mets drafted him in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.

The right-handed pitcher signed with the Mets for just $20,000—a shockingly low figure compared to the $357,000 slot value. He’s since grinded his way through their farm system, eventually landing a one-year, $760,000 contract.

At 27, Orze’s professional path has been anything but smooth. He attended the University of New Orleans and got picked 150th overall, slowly building his reputation as a promising reliever.

Currently, his net worth sits at around $20,000. That number’s bound to rise if his MLB career keeps trending upward.

Orze hit a huge milestone when the New York Mets called him up from the Syracuse Mets, their Triple-A affiliate. Fans who love a good underdog story have really rallied behind him, especially considering what he’s overcome.

Early Life and Background

Eric Paul Orze entered the world on August 21, 1997, in Elk Grove, Illinois. His early years—shaped by family and school—set the stage for what was to come.

Family and Upbringing

Orze grew up in Elk Grove, a suburb near Chicago, surrounded by a supportive family. While details about his parents and siblings aren’t exactly public, it’s fair to guess they played a big role in his baseball journey.

Living in the Midwest, Orze got to experience baseball culture firsthand. Illinois weather—those four distinct seasons—probably toughened him up and taught him to adapt on the field.

He grew up near the Cubs and White Sox, so major league dreams likely felt just a train ride away.

Education and Amateur Baseball

Orze chose the University of New Orleans for college, where he really honed his pitching. Before that, he took the usual route—high school ball, maybe some travel teams, the works.

His time at New Orleans gave him a real shot to develop as a pitcher. College ball exposed him to better training, analytics, and the kind of coaching you just don’t get in high school.

All that work paid off when the New York Mets drafted him in the fifth round, 150th overall, in 2020. He later found his way into the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

Professional Baseball Career

Eric Orze’s pro baseball story is all about grit. He’s battled through serious health setbacks and climbed his way up as a relief pitcher.

Minor League Journey

The New York Mets picked Orze in the 2020 MLB Draft’s fifth round. His $20,000 signing bonus was tiny, especially considering the pandemic-shortened draft.

He started off in the Mets’ farm system, bouncing between affiliates and learning the ropes. At 6’4” and 205 pounds, he’s always had a presence on the mound.

Orze’s minor league numbers kept getting better. He stuck to relief pitching, using his right-handed delivery and building a reputation for mental toughness.

New York Mets Debut

Orze’s MLB journey took a turn when the Tampa Bay Rays picked him up. That’s where he finally made his big-league debut.

That debut was a huge moment, especially after all he’d been through. Orze’s first MLB appearance showed off his pitching style—good control, sneaky power, and a lot of heart.

He got to face some tough hitters right away. Those first games against division rivals? They were a crash course in big-league baseball.

Career Highlights and Achievements

By 2025, Orze had settled in as a steady relief option. His contract with the Rays pays him $760,000 a year, a sign he’s becoming a key bullpen piece.

Here’s a quick look at his numbers:

He’s had some of his best outings in big moments, especially during the 2024 playoff push. Teammates respect his work ethic, and he’s become a bit of an inspiration in the bullpen.

Contract Details and Salary

Orze’s professional path has included some important financial milestones. His contracts tell the story of a reliever working his way up in MLB.

Draft and Signing

The New York Mets drafted Orze in the fifth round in 2020, after his college career at New Orleans. He signed his first pro contract with the Mets and started his climb through the minors.

COVID-19 made those early years tough, with the minors facing all kinds of disruptions. Still, Orze kept working on his game before landing with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Salary Progression

Orze’s earnings have followed the usual rookie path. He signed a one-year, $760,000 deal with the Mets, which is pretty standard for someone at his experience level.

His estimated net worth is still around $20,000. That’s normal for a player just breaking into the big leagues. Once he locks down a full-time roster spot and racks up MLB service time, his paychecks could get a lot bigger.

After moving to the Tampa Bay Rays, Orze put himself in a spot to chase bigger contracts. Reliable relievers can end up with multi-million dollar deals if they keep performing.

Eric Orze Net Worth Analysis

Orze’s net worth, estimated at about $20,000, reflects the early stages of an MLB career. He’s following the same financial path as most young ballplayers.

Career Earnings

Baseball is his main source of income. That one-year, $760,000 contract with the Mets is his biggest payday so far. It’s right in line with what newer MLB players get before arbitration.

The Mets drafted him in the fifth round, and he picked up a modest signing bonus. Things changed when he debuted on July 8, 2024 with the Rays. That opened the door to bigger earning potential.

Endorsements and Business Ventures

Orze isn’t exactly a household name—at least not yet—so he hasn’t landed major endorsement deals. Compared to MLB’s superstars, his off-field income is still small.

He’s probably putting most of his focus on making it in the majors before chasing business opportunities. That’s the smart move for most young players.

His social media following is growing, but it’s not at the level where big influencer deals come knocking. Most rookies wait until they’re established before building a personal brand.

Financial Growth Over Time

Orze’s finances have grown slowly but steadily, from his college days at New Orleans to his MLB debut. The minor leagues don’t pay much, but every promotion brought a little bump in salary.

As a reliever, his future earnings will depend on his numbers and how well he handles the late innings. If he keeps performing, arbitration and free agency could bring a big jump in pay.

If Orze locks down a long-term role with the Rays or another team, his earnings could really take off. The average MLB career is short—just over five years—so planning ahead is critical.

Personal Life and Off-Field Interests

Off the field, Eric Orze tries to keep things balanced. He values his relationships and gets involved in the community, all while staying mindful of his public image.

Hobbies and Community Involvement

Orze loves the outdoors. In the off-season, you’ll probably find him fishing or hiking—anything that lets him unwind and stay in shape.

After dealing with testicular cancer and melanoma, Orze has become a strong advocate for cancer awareness. He often visits children’s hospitals, especially back when he was with the Mets.

He even set up a small foundation to raise money for cancer research. Every year, he runs a charity baseball camp in Elk Grove, giving local kids both baseball tips and some real-life wisdom.

Family means a lot to Orze. He often credits his parents for helping him through the tough times, both on and off the field.

Public Image and Media

Orze built his public image on resilience and determination. His comeback story—fighting through two kinds of cancer to make it to the majors—has turned him into a favorite for sports journalists.

On social media, Orze doesn’t post much. He’ll share the occasional look at his training or a moment with teammates, but he mostly keeps his personal life to himself.

When reporters interview Orze, they usually highlight his inspirational journey. He steers clear of politics and sticks to talking about perseverance.

During press conferences, Orze speaks in a straightforward, humble way. Teammates and coaches often call him genuine and grounded, even as more people in the baseball world start to notice him.