Mariners Acquire Former All-Star Outfielder To Help Sputtering Offense

Arozarena To Seattle

The Seattle Mariners have acquired All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays in a significant trade just four days ahead of the MLB trade deadline. In return for the former ALCS MVP, the Rays receive outfielder Aidan Smith, RHP Brody Hopkins and player to be named.

This move highlights the Mariners' intent to address a glaring need in their lineup as they look to surpass the Astros in the AL West and prepare for a potential postseason run.

Seattle opened the season at +240 to win the AL West, owning the third shortest odds behind the Astros and Rangers. They’ve jumped Texas on the odds board and now sit at +200 with Houston the favorite at -145 on DraftKings.

In June, the Mariners owned a 10-game lead in the division but blew that faster than any other team in MLB, squandering the lead in just 24 days. Much of the blame can be pinned on their lead-worst offense. Seattle is hitting just .216 on the season and .160 post-All-Star break. They also strike out more than any other team, averaging 10.25 per game.

Arozarena, known for his clutch performances in the playoffs, brings a powerful bat and speed to Seattle's outfield, improving their offensive production and overall team depth. He got off to a slow start but is slashing .211/.318/.394 with 15 home runs through 100 games with Tampa Bay this season and will immediately become one of the Mariners' top threats at the plate.

Impact Of The Move

Arozarena isn't going to singlehandedly turn the Mariners' offense around, but he certainly helps their playoff hopes. Seattle sits just 3.5 games back of the Kansas City Royals for a Wild Card spot, making the postseason a realistic expectation.

The Mariners have arguably the best pitching rotation in the league, leading all teams in ERA (3.41) and WHIP (1.07) on the season. If there is one area to point to for Seattle's success this year, it would be their pitching staff.

The Mariners are +1600 to win the AL and +3500 to win the World Series on DraftKings. I like the value in those numbers being I'm confident in Seattle's arms, but I'm hesitant to put any money down with Julio Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford injured. With both players on the 10-day IL, I think it's worth waiting until they're back and reassessing the market before placing any futures on Seattle.

The Mariners open what should be an easy series in Chicago against the White Sox on Friday, but then take on tough opponents in the Red Sox, Phillies and Mets. If anything, I think we could get a better number on Seattle futures after those series!