Earlier this week, we had a historic night in Mariners' history. As the team is reeling and the fanbase and media are turning up the heat on leadership, they responded. Late Thursday night, Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander swung a deal for all-star outfielder and entertainer, Randy Arozarena.
The darling of the COVID bubble MLB playoffs, Randy put on a historic show, blasting 10 home runs and carrying the Tampa Bay Rays to game six of the World Series. Since then, he's been a star for the small market contenders, winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 and an all-star nod last year. He's also led the Rays to the playoffs every year he's been in the big leagues (even got there with St. Louis in 2019).
While he's had a rough start to the season, he's been playing like an all-star since June, and he's once again a threat for another 20HR/20SB season. He brings playoff experience, swagger and culture to a Mariners team that desperately needed a jolt and some leadership.
He should immediately slot in anywhere between the lead-off spot to the three hole depending on what else lies ahead before the trade deadline. Speaking of the deadline, I believe that the Mariners are happy with the addition of Arozarena, but are far from done when it comes to overhauling this offense.
I believe that the Mariners are preparing to go all in. Yesterday it was reported that Tai Peete and Michael Arroyo were not in their respective lineups. It's clear that they, along with probably more prospects, are currently being looked at for some big trades that could change the fortune of this once promising season.
So if Seattle is truly going all in, who's coming to Seattle next?