Cubs Claim Reliever Eric Orze Off Waivers
The Chicago Cubs claimed right-handed reliever Eric Orze after the Minnesota Twins waived him on November 2, adding him to the competition for a bullpen spot.
Chicago has added Eric Orze, claiming the right-handed pitcher off waivers from Minnesota on November 2. The move gives the Cubs another reliever to evaluate ahead of next season as they reshape their bullpen.
Orze has changed organizations frequently during his time in the majors. He was selected by the New York Mets in 2020, then traded to Tampa Bay in 2024. Minnesota acquired him in 2025, making Chicago his fourth major-league club if he joins the team in 2027.
He appeared in 36 games for the Twins and finished with a 5.66 ERA. The season before, pitching for Tampa Bay, he posted a 3.02 ERA across 41.2 innings. Orze offers a splitter, fastball, slider and slurve, and has limited hard contact despite not relying on high fastball velocity.
The Cubs could look to develop his secondary pitches and consider him for a middle-relief role. Orze is from the Chicago area and attended Glenbard North before playing college baseball at the University of New Orleans. His addition is one of the early steps in the club’s bullpen overhaul; he will have a chance to compete for a roster place next spring.