Mariners Have Eye On Playoffs After MLB Trade Deadline Deal For Rays Star Randy Arozarena
Well folks, the first major domino has fallen before the MLB trade deadline.
While most of us were likely unwinding for the evening (or fast asleep), the Seattle Mariners were burning the midnight oil to try to bolster their roster. They did so by acquiring Tampa Bay Rays star Randy Arozarena, which, quite frankly, I didn’t see coming.
But now that it's happened, you’re probably wondering what this deal means for Seattle. Good thing you’re reading this, because I’m about to tell you.
Did The Mariners Need To Acquire Randy Arozarena?
Yes, they did.
Arozarena immediately brings something to the table that Seattle’s outfield lacks: power. Yes, his stats haven’t been wildly impressive this year; his slash line is just .211/.318/.394, with 15 home runs and 31 RBIs in 100 games. (CBS Sports reported that his production dip was due to an ill–advised change to his swing in the offseason).
But since June 5, his numbers have been far better: .281/.378/.518. And when you consider that Seattle’s current left fielders have scored a combined 12 runs, Arozarena provides an immediate upgrade. Throw in his clutchness that shows itself in October, and you’ve got a signing that could only provide upside.
But his playoff experience only matters if you can get there. Which begs the next question…
Will This Make Them A Playoff Team?
If we were writing about this a month ago, it wouldn’t be worth asking that question. The Mariners had a 10-game lead on the Houston Astros, and seemed to be running away with the AL West lead in a down year for the rest of the division.
But my goodness, the Astros took off and erased that 10-game deficit in just a month and now lead the Mariners by a game two weeks after the All-Star break. On top of that, the Mariners are 3.5 games behind the Kansas City Royals for a Wild Card spot.
The Mariners have some work to do to catch up with the Astros (orange jerseys), but with plenty of games left and a better roster, they should be able to. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
However, neither of those are insurmountable. Heck, you could overcome both deficits in just a week, and we’re not even in August yet. Baseball is an absolute grind, full of ups and downs. And it's reasonable to assume the Mariners can get back on track. (As an aside, the Mariners’ schedule only has a handful of games remaining against top-tier teams.)
We won’t fully know if this makes them a postseason team for another 70-ish days. But signing Arozarena certainly doesn’t hurt Seattle’s odds.
Who Won This Trade?
Seattle did, and it’s not close.
In exchange for a proven playoff performer who seems to have found a way to get out of his slump, the Mariners gave up two minor league prospects (who aren’t in the Top 100) and a player to be named later. The best part is that he doesn’t hit free agency until 2026, so Arozerana is going to remain on the West Coast for quite a while.
As for the Rays? They gave up on a guy who’s been nothing but aces for them over the past few years, for no immediate help. Sometimes, I really don’t get Tampa Bay’s decision-making process…on anything really.
Jun 16, 2024; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randyu Arozarena (56) singles to drive in a run against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Again, this is all just talking on paper. Once the games start happening, this deal could end up being the worst deal of the trade deadline.
But given how good Arozarena is, I find that hard to believe. The Mariners made a good decision by bringing him on board.