In a major shakeup for the MLB scene, two American League teams have made a blockbuster trade that is sure to bring excitement and potential game-changing impacts. The Seattle Mariners have acquired dynamic outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for three prospects: Aidan Smith, Brody Hopkins, and a player to be named later.
Arozarena, who was the AL Rookie of the Year Award winner in 2021 and made his first All-Star team in 2023, has had an impressive career with the Rays. From 2021 to 2023, he slashed .264/.349/.443 with a total of 63 homers and 74 stolen bases, accumulating a total of 10 FanGraphs wins above replacement.
The Mariners are hoping that Arozarena can bring a jolt to their team and improve their .660 OPS, which is the third lowest in the majors. The team has lost eight of their past nine games and holds a one-game lead behind the Houston Astros in the AL West.
Smith, currently on a 20-game hitting streak in Class A Modesto with a .284 batting average, nine homers, 26 doubles, 42 RBIs and an .872 OPS is one of the leading prospects in the deal. Hopkins is also a promising prospect with a record of 4-3 and a 2.90 ERA at Class A Modesto and has struck out 95 batters in just 83.1 innings.
Arozarena, who is making $8.1 million this season and due for raises with two more years of arbitration eligibility before becoming a free agent in 2027, was having a miserable start to the season but has played better since early June. He's batting .211 with 15 homers, 37 RBIs, and a .712 OPS for the season.
The Mariners are in desperate need of offense and believe that Arozarena can provide a significant boost to their lineup. The team has been struggling offensively this season, ranking among the lowest in runs scored. With injuries to center fielder Julio Rodriguez and shortstop J.P Crawford creating holes in the lineup, the Mariners are hoping that Arozarena can help fill those gaps.
The Rays, on the other hand, are looking to rebuild their farm system and gain prospects to strengthen their future roster. The acquisition of Smith and Hopkins is a step in that direction.