Mariners' Randy Arozarena trade could backfire if 2025 doesn't tell different story

As spring training kicks off for the Seattle Mariners, storylines are emerging at every turn. The most dominant narratives revolve around the front office’s eerily quiet offseason, a stark contrast to what many fans anticipated. But beyond the lack of blockbuster moves, there’s plenty to talk about: the Mariners’ elite pitching staff, the anticipated resurgence of Julio Rodríguez, and the club’s aspirations to finally break through in the American League.

Yet, one topic remains curiously muted, much like large portions of his 2024 season: Randy Arozarena. The Mariners’ biggest trade deadline acquisition last year arrived in Seattle with a jolt of excitement, a move that sent ripples through the fanbase and ignited conversations about championship potential. But just as quickly as the buzz reached a fever pitch, it was drowned out by an unlikely source in Victor Robles. A simple waiver-wire pickup, Robles turned into a spark plug as his electrifying play overshadowed Arozarena and silenced any lingering echoes of his arrival.

Calling Arozarena a "role player" almost feels like an injustice. This is a guy who has shown time and time again that he can rise to the moment. His 2023 campaign saw him earn his first All-Star selection, further cementing his reputation as one of baseball’s most dynamic outfielders. Insiders still cling to his legendary postseason heroics. One of the greatest playoff performances in modern memory came during his rookie season in 2020, when he hit .377 with 10 home runs and an absurd 1.273 OPS across 20 games. Let’s not forget his dominance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic when he put up a staggering .450 average with a 1.507 OPS, delivering clutch hits to propel Mexico to the semifinals. Arozarena has proven he can be a game-changer when the lights shine brightest.

However, if 2024 was any indication, the Mariners must prepare for another reality.

Can Mariners' trade for Randy Arozarena recover in 2025?

Raise your hand if you’ve heard this one before: 2024 was a disappointing year for a Mariners hitter. Arozarena found himself on that long list, posting career lows across the board. With a new managerial staff and a revamped hitting philosophy in place for 2025, the left fielder faces a true sink-or-swim season. On the surface, his numbers don’t seem disastrous after he posted his fourth straight 20-20 season. But beneath the surface, there were troubling signs.

His contact skills in 2024 were eerily similar to his 2021 and 2022 campaigns, but his approach at the plate took a drastic turn. His average launch angle was the highest of his career, a red flag considering the cavernous dimensions of T-Mobile Park. Arozarena has long been known as a stellar fastball hitter, yet he struggled mightily against the pitch in 2024. His run value against fastballs plummeted from 17 in 2023 to -5 last season — a staggering 23-point drop. Worse yet, when he did make contact, it lacked the authority and balance of his previous seasons.

Coming into 2024, Arozarena was a spray hitter, capable of driving the ball to all fields and making him unpredictable for opposing pitchers. But last year, he became an extreme pull hitter, a shift that worked against him and played right into the hands of opposing defenses. This change also directly contradicts the Mariners’ new offensive philosophy heading into 2025. The good news? The organization is surely working to correct these habits. The bad news? If this pattern continues, Arozarena may do more harm than good, making him a poor fit for Seattle’s future.

Arozarena has one more year of arbitration remaining, which could make him an attractive trade chip should the Mariners need to pivot. But that’s a discussion for another day. The immediate focus is on his role in 2025. With lingering infield concerns already threatening the team’s stability, an underperforming star-caliber player would be an unnecessary liability, and one that could ultimately sink Seattle’s postseason aspirations.

Now, as the Mariners gear up for another season, expectations for their core players are clear. A healthy and dominant pitching staff is non-negotiable. Steady production from Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh on the offensive side is a must. But beyond the stars, it’s the complementary pieces that will determine how far this team can go. That’s where Arozarena’s presence is most important. If he can become the impact bat the Mariners envisioned when they traded for him, he could be the catalyst that pushes this team over the top.

If not? His presence, or lack thereof, could be the storyline that no one is talking about now, but everyone will be discussing by season’s end.