Mariners make much-needed trade for Randy Arozarena

Randy Arozarena represents an excellent addition to a struggling lineup, but the Seattle Mariners still need more help.

The trade deadline may still be four days away, but the Seattle Mariners have decided to make what fans will be hoping is only the first significant move. As confirmed by the ball club, they have acquired Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays.

As announced by executive vice president and general manager of baseball operations Justin Hollander, minor leaguers Brody Hopkins and Aidan Smith are headed to Tampa Bay. The Rays will also receive another player to be named later.

Hollander gave his comments about the much-needed addition to a struggling lineup. He said:

“Randy is a dynamic, high-energy all-around player who has excelled in the biggest moments on the biggest stages. He’s going to be a great addition to our clubhouse and lineup.”

A major help on offense AND defense

Arozarena’s main asset is his tremendous speed, which will help the Mariners both on base and in the outfield. He already has an excellent resume which includes being named AL Rookie of the Year in 2021 and a first-time All-Star just last season (as a starter no less).

Arguably most impressive of all though is being named MVP of the 2020 ALCS, despite only playing in 23 regular seasons games that year. The now 29-year-old hit .321 and produced four homers and six RBI during the series, proving that he had what it took to perform in pressure situations.

We appreciate that critics and just generally concerned Mariners fans will point to Arozarena’s poor offensive stats for this season. He has a .211/.318/.394 slash line and .712 OPS, which are all projected to be career lows in the Majors.

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That’s more like it

However, it’s important to note this is related to a poor start to the 2024 campaign for the Cuba native, with him only hitting .158/.257/.312 and .568 as of the end of May. Since then he has improved dramatically with a .290/.402/.517 slash line and .920 OPS, well above his career averages of .256/.345/.441 and .787.

Obviously the Mariners hope to see more of Arozarena’s recent form during the remainder of this season. Ahead of Friday’s action, they are last in the Majors in team batting average, have the most strikeouts and the third-fewest runs scored.

From a team control aspect, the right-handed bat has two more years of arbitration before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027. The Mariners will pay him the balance of his $8.1 million salary for this season, with him expected to exceed $12 million next year.

What is your take on the acquisition of Arozarena? Also, do you see this as just the first significant trade for the Mariners prior to the deadline, or will this be it? Let us know in the comments section below.