The Seattle Mariners Blockbuster Trade for Randy Arozarena

Randy Arozarena is headed to the Seattle Mariners. 

The Mariners struck a deal to land the Tampa Bay Rays star in a trade Thursday night, the team announced.

Mariners really did it. Still so hyped. pic.twitter.com/9f6CsHcKZX

— Seattle Mariners ON Tap (@MarinersONTap) July 26, 2024

The Seattle Mariners have been struggling at the plate. They lead the MLB in strikeouts, and the lowest batting average in the MLB as well. 

Yet, they have the best pitching staff in baseball, so it was time to BUY at the deadline. 

This was a big time buy. 

Arozarena is in the middle of his fifth season with the Rays, though he's currently hitting a career-low .213 with 15 home runs and 36 RBI. The 29-year-old outfielder was named to his first All-Star game last season, finishing the season with 23 home runs and 22 steals while leading the Rays to the playoffs.

Despite his lower batting average this year, if you look at the last 30-45 days of play, he is playing at a really high level once again. 

He burst on the scene in the 2020 postseason, winning ALCS MVP as the Rays reached the World Series and setting the MLB record for home runs in a single postseason, with 10. In his first full season in 2021, Arozarena won AL Rookie of the Year with 20 homers and a 129 OPS+.

Main reason I'm really hyped about Randy Arozarena coming to the Seattle Mariners...

The Postseason Success.

2020: 10 homers in the playoffs.

Career playoffs: .336, 38 hits, 11 HRs, 17 RBIs and 23 runs scored in 33 games.

+ 2.5 years of club control.pic.twitter.com/4bJv4NwMcf

— Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) July 26, 2024