Mariners acquire All-Star OF Randy Arozarena from Tampa Bay Rays

The Seattle Mariners have acquired All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays, made official by the clubs late Thursday night.

In dire need of offensive help, the Mariners completed the first blockbuster deal ahead of MLB’s July 30 trade deadline – landing the 2021 AL Rookie of the Year and hit-to-all-fields speedster.

“Randy is a dynamic, high-energy all-around player who has excelled in the biggest moments on the biggest stages,” Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said in a release. “He’s going to be a great addition to our clubhouse and lineup.”

The entire deal: Seattle received Arozarena for prospects Aidan Smith (OF), Brody Hopkins (RHP), and a player to be named later.

Arozarena, 29, sports a career .256/.345/.441 slash line across six major league seasons, and started in left field for the American League in the 2023 All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park. Seattleites in attendance for the 2023 Home Run Derby likely remember Arozarena’s dynamite showing, including 82 total homers and a runner-up finish.

The bubbly, energetic left fielder established credibility through a 2020 World Series run, setting an all-time record with 10 homers in a single postseason, and endeared himself to a national following with web-gem grabs and animated home run celebrations.

His career numbers ascend in the playoffs, should the Mariners get there. Arozarena, the 2020 ALCS MVP, has amassed a 1.104 OPS and .336 batting average in 33 career postseason games.

Under contract through the 2026 season, Arozarena’s two-plus years of club control exemplifies Seattle’s desire for a “dynamic” acquisition before the deadline, a player who can produce for the club both this season and beyond.

Though Seattle’s scuffling offense fumbled a 10-game division lead, the Mariners believe their primary reinforcement has arrived. He struggled mightily though the opening months of the 2024 season, but since June 1, Arozarena slashed .284/.397/.507 with nine stolen bases in 44 games.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound native of Havana, Cuba, is just one of three MLB players with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of the 2021-23 seasons, joining Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez and Philadelphia’s Trea Turner.

MARINERS LAND RELIEVER YIMI GARCIA

Seattle wasn’t done.

The Mariners acquired reliever Yimi Garcia from the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday afternoon, instant relief for a depleted bullpen.

Toronto received outfielder Jonatan Clase, Seattle’s 10th-ranked prospect, plus minor league catcher Jacob Sharp.

Garcia, 33, is a 10-year MLB veteran with a 3.54 ERA across 404 career appearances. The right-hander sits at 96 mph with his four-seamer, mixing up to six pitches with excellent command. Garcia has fanned 42 opponents and walked eight (2.70 ERA) in 29 appearances for the Blue Jays this season.

“Yimi has been one of the best relievers in the American League this year — dominating the strike zone, missing bats and pitching in high leverage,” Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said in a team release. “He has big-game experience and we’re excited to add him to our bullpen.”

Two of Seattle’s three highest-leverage relievers are sidelined by injuries – Matt Brash (Tommy John surgery) and Gregory Santos (right knee) – the latter exiting late in Wednesday’s game at T-Mobile Park with manager Scott Servais and trainers. Bullpen help was the obvious, and desired, acquisition ahead of MLB’s July 30 trade deadline.

After netting Arozarena for the lineup, of course.

Garcia’s 12.60 strikeouts per nine innings this season ranks seventh among AL relievers.