With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, contenders are set to make their moves to make a push for the playoffs. The Seattle Mariners are one of them. Seattle stands just 1 game back of the first-place Houston Astros in the AL West. Additionally, they are 3.5 games back of the third Wild-Card spot. The Mariners need a spark, and they made a big splash to help their offense by acquiring Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Mariners Acquire Randy Arozarena In Blockbuster Trade
Sources: Randy Arozarena was traded to the Seattle Mariners.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) July 26, 2024
#Rays get minor-leaguers OF Aidan Smith and RHP Brody Hopkins plus a PTBNL from #Mariners for Arozarena
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 26, 2024
The Arozarena-to-Seattle deal is official.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 26, 2024
Mariners GM Justin Hollander: “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.”
What Arozarena Brings To Seattle
Arozarena made a name for himself over these last few years in Tampa Bay. Last year, he broke out with 23 home runs, 83 RBI and made the AL All-Star team. This season, however, has been a different story. For both him and the Rays. He has 15 home runs and just 37 RBI in 100 games. He’s currently batting .211 and an OPS of .712. Still, for the Mariners they are getting a big bat with power, good speed, and high potential. Arozarena won Rookie Of The Year in 2021 and was instrumental in the Rays run to the World Series in 2020. Arozarena has hit well as of late.
For those wondering why the offense-needy Mariners would trade for a player hitting .213 with a .717 OPS and 106 OPS+:
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 26, 2024
Since June 1, Randy Arozarena is slashing .290/.402/.517 (.920 OPS) with 7 HR, 20 RBI and 9 SB in 43 games.
Recently, the Mariners lost key players Julio Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford to the injured list. They desperately needed another bat added to the roster. They may still need to add one more offensive player. Seattle will look to put their offensive pieces together when the pair gets back and joins Arozarena in the lineup as the Mariners look to make a postseason run.
What The Rays Got
At 52-51 and sitting in fourth place in the AL East, the Rays are in sell mode. They’ve already traded pitcher Aaron Civale to the Milwaukee Brewers. Now, they’ve traded a postseason hero in Arozarena. The Rays are once again back to building up their farm system for the future. Aidan Smith and Brody Hopkins join their minor leagues. Per MLB Pipeline, Smith is Seattle’s 12th best prospect and Hopkins is their 22nd best prospect. Smith has hit .284/.402/.470 in Single-A. He’s hit 9 home runs and drive in 42 RBI. Hopkins had a 2.90 ERA in Single-A and is 4-3 in 18 starts. He has a WHIP of 1.219 and 95 strikeouts.
Main Photo Credits: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
