Eric Orze

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #497 prospect in 2020 draft
  Orze has already beaten cancer twice—first it was testicular cancer and then skin cancer. His 2018 season was hampered by abdominal pain that eventually led to the cancer diagnosis. He then missed all of 2019 recovering. Returning to action this spring, Orze showed an above-average, 92-95 mph fastball, an average slider and an above-average splitter. A starter at New Orleans, he’s more likely a reliever in pro ball because his stuff tails off pretty quickly. He had a 17-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 12.2 innings this spring. He’s a potentially interesting senior sign but is very old for the class, turning 23 in August.

• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 40/High
  
  Track Record: Orze had one of the more inspirational stories in the 2020 draft. He beat cancer twice as an amateur, first testicular cancer in 2018 and then skin cancer later that summer. He missed all of 2019 recovering, only to return in 2020 and make four appearances before the pandemic scuttled the season.
  
  Scouting Report: Orze moved to the bullpen in pro ball and pitched his way to Triple-A in his 2021 pro debut. In 34 appearances he struck out 67 and walked 14 in 49.2 innings, recording a 3.08 ERA. Orze pitches at 92-94 mph with an average low-80s splitter with tumble and swing-and-miss potential. He shows confidence in his splitter as his go-to pitch, commanding the pitch even when behind in counts. He also throws a fringy slider with average depth but is primarily fastball/splitter in short spurts.
  
  The Future: Given his rapid ascent, proximity and bullpen-ready arsenal, Orze should be considered bullpen depth in 2022, with a chance to carve out a larger role if he pitches well.
• December, 2019 Scouting Report
  Orze has already beaten cancer twice—first it was testicular cancer and then skin cancer. His 2018 season was hampered by abdominal pain that eventually led to the cancer diagnosis. He then missed all of 2019 recovering. Returning to action this spring, Orze showed an above-average, 92-95 mph fastball, an average slider and an above-average splitter. A starter at New Orleans, he’s more likely a reliever in pro ball because his stuff tails off pretty quickly. He had a 17-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 12.2 innings this spring. He’s a potentially interesting senior sign but is very old for the class, turning 23 in August.