The Rays have made their first main commerce by swapping Randy Arozarena for gifted Mariners duo.
Who’ve the Rays acquired?
The Tampa Bay Rays have traded standout outfielder Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners in trade for 2 promising prospects, outfielder Aidan Smith and right-handed pitcher Brody Hopkins, in addition to a participant who will probably be named at a later date. The commerce was formally introduced by the Rays shortly after their Friday sequence win in Toronto.
This transaction seems to be a strategic transfer for the Rays, who’re searching for to bolster their offensive lineup with expert gamers. Each groups are anticipated to profit from this commerce, with Mariners Normal Supervisor Justin Hollander expressing enthusiasm about including Arozarena to their roster.
He mentioned: “Randy is a dynamic, high-energy all-around participant who has excelled within the largest moments on the largest levels. He’s going to be an ideal addition to our clubhouse and lineup.”
Who’re Smith and Hopkins?
Smith seems to be the standout participant within the Rays’ acquisition for Arozarena. The 20-year-old was chosen by Seattle within the fourth spherical of final 12 months’s Draft from Lovejoy Excessive Faculty in Lucas, Texas. He, a right-handed batter, had a powerful begin for Single-A Modesto, hitting .284/.402/.470 with 9 residence runs, 26 doubles, 28 stolen bases, 63 runs, and 42 RBIs in 77 video games.
Smith has lined all three outfield positions this 12 months, having primarily performed heart area in his rookie season. He was thought of the Mariners’ twelfth greatest prospect and was ranked eleventh within the Rays’ system by MLB Pipeline.
In the meantime, Hopkins, 22, posted a 4-3 report with a 2.90 ERA, 95 strikeouts, 40 walks, and simply two residence runs allowed in 83 2/3 innings throughout 18 begins for Modesto in his first season as an expert pitcher. The Mariners drafted the Winthrop College product, a South Carolina native, within the sixth spherical of final 12 months’s Draft.
Hopkins was rated as Seattle’s twenty second greatest prospect, however MLB Pipeline elevated him to the sixth spot within the Rays’ system.
Will Rays remorse swapping Arozarena?
The favored left fielder, who gained fame for his excellent efficiency throughout Tampa Bay’s journey to the American League championship in 2020, is departing from the Rays. With a wage of $8.1 million within the second 12 months of his 4 arbitration-eligible seasons, and two extra raises on the horizon, the 29-year-old struggled in the beginning of this season, hitting simply .158 with a .568 OPS by the tip of Could. Nonetheless, he made changes to his stance and method, and within the final two months, he returned to type, hitting .286/.392/.514 with seven residence runs in his subsequent 41 video games.
Arozarena’s rising wage and the Rays’ incapacity to make progress within the postseason race made him a transparent commerce possibility. His observe report, potential to shine within the highlight, and membership management by the 2026 season made him a beautiful addition for the hitting-starved Mariners, who’re one sport behind the Astros within the AL West and half a sport forward of the Rays within the Wild Card standings.
Jack Bellamy
Junior Author
