Twins trade for pitcher Eric Orze from Rays for relief.

In a move to strengthen their bullpen, the Minnesota Twins have traded for reliever Eric Orze from the Tampa Bay Rays, sending minor league pitcher Jacob Kisting in return. Orze, who recorded a 3.02 ERA and three saves in 33 relief appearances last season with the Rays, brings valuable experience to the Twins' pitching staff.

The 28-year-old right-hander, a cancer survivor and former fifth-round draft pick for the New York Mets, made his major league debut in 2024. In addition to his major league stats, Orze also impressed during his 24 appearances at Triple-A Durham, posting a 2.20 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 28⅔ innings.

This trade comes after the Twins parted ways with their top four relievers, including Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland, and Brock Stewart, in the lead-up to the MLB trade deadline on July 31.

On the Rays' side of the deal, 22-year-old Jacob Kisting, a 14th-round draft pick by the Twins in 2024, joins their organization after showcasing his talent with a 3.79 ERA, 23 walks, and 77 strikeouts over 73 2/3 innings in 30 appearances split between Low-A Fort Myers and High-A Cedar Rapids this year.

Alongside the Orze-Kisting trade, the Rays made additional roster moves by designating outfielders Jake Fraley and Christopher Morel for assignment. In separate transactions, the Rays traded infielder Tanner Murray and outfielder Everson Pereira to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for right-handers Yoendrys Gómez and Steven Wilson.

Furthermore, the Rays released right-hander Forrest Whitley and completed a trade with the Boston Red Sox, sending infielder Tristan Gray in exchange for minor league right-hander Luis Guerrero. These series of moves indicate an active period for the Rays as they adjust their roster heading into the next phase of the season.