MLB experts give high praise to Mariners' lineup-altering Randy Arozarena trade

When the Mariners jumped out in front of everyone, striking fast and early to get Randy Arozarena, it seemed like he was just going to be the first big name that moved. There were a lot of arguably larger names out there, and in the past, when the first one goes it usually leads to a domino effect.

Well, according to Jordan Shusterman, that wasn't the case. Outside of the big 3-team deal, Randy Arozarena was the most impactful trade that happened at this year's deadline. Shusterman, notably of Cespedes BBQ and now also Yahoo Sports, ranked the Arozarena deal #2, all while giving the Mariners an A- on the trade.

"Arguably the best bat to change teams at this deadline and almost certainly the most famous, Arozarena heads west to join a Seattle team needing offensive impact as badly as any contender around. Arozarena’s star power and nearly unparalleled postseason résumé are a bonus on top of the stellar production he is expected to bring to a lineup that severely lacks impact and consistency."

Jordan Shusterman

If the Mariners waited around for Arozarena, there is a good chance that the price would've gone up when it became more clear that guys like Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Luis Robert Jr were not going to move.

Look at what the Cubs gave up for Paredes, and I think it further proves the point of how impactful the deal was. While Brody Hopkins and Aidan Smith were ranked outside the top 10, they were both prospects that had good showings this year. If this deal didn't happen until after Paredes, there is an argument to be made that the PTBNL could've turned into another borderline top-10 prospect that the Mariners would've had to include in the deal to make it happen.

Shusterman is 100% correct here, and if not for the #1 trade being a 3-team and the added impact that imparts, then Arozarena was the singular most important and impactful move at the deadline... and he is now on the Seattle Mariners.