Rays Reportedly Shopping Randy Arozarena, Should Dodgers Pursue a Trade?
With the Dodgers looking to acquire another piece in the outfield this offseason, could they target Tampa Bay Rays superstar left fielder Randy Arozarena?
On Wednesday, it was reported by Jack Azoulay-Haron that the Rays are looking to shop Arozarena this offseason.
With the MLB Winter Meetings set to take place between Dec. 4-7, the possibility of an Arozarena trade happening during that time could be very high. The Winter Meetings are traditionally the time of the offseason when players will begin to talk with new teams, and GM’s are usually aggressive in the trade market.
Coming into this offseason, it’s very apparent the Dodgers could use some outfield help as right now they have just Mookie Betts, Chris Taylor, James Outman, and the recently re-signed Jason Heyward.
While the Dodgers have four quality names already in the outfield, they have dealt with their fair share of injuries from all over the roster. Not only has Betts dealt with his own injuries, but due to a depleted infield last season, he played 86 games between second base and shortstop for the Dodgers, which gave them zero depth at the position.
With a name like Arozarena potentially available this offseason, Dodgers president Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes should really consider the opportunity to pursue a trade for him.
As of right now, MLB.com has the Dodgers farm system ranked sixth in the MLB. Recently, there has been speculation as well that the Dodgers could look to move on from former No. 1 prospect Miguel Vargas this offseason.
If that is true, I would assume Vargas would be a center point for the Dodgers in any possible trade with the Rays for Arozarena.
Arozarena has been solid in the regular season throughout his career. He burst onto the scene in the 2020 postseason, and then won the 2021 Rookie of the Year award.
Last year, Arozarena hit .254 with 23 home runs and 80 runs batted in, and he’s hit at least 20 home runs in every full season. However, where Arozarena is best is in the postseason.
Last year, both Betts and Freddie Freeman combined going 1-21 at the plate, along with the rest of the Dodgers offense as they hit .177 as a team and had just 17 hits with two doubles and scored only six runs.
In his career, Arozarena has had 113 plate appearances in the playoffs and has an average of .336 with 11 home runs, 1.104 OPS, 17 RBIs, and three stolen bases.
The Dodgers need players who rise up in the biggest of moments, and Arozarena is that guy.
Photo Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
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No way in hell keep away from this dude bad fit
Anybody who says no they shouldn’t trade for him needs their head examined considering the Dodgers lack of success when the lights shine the brightest. Go look at this dudes clutch stats since he came into the league. He’s one of the most clutch players I’ve ever seen and the Dodgers DESPERATELY need that. I’d trade for him in a heart beat. We dealt with Puig, we can absolutely deal with Arozarena.
Can he pitch?
I gotta say I saw the Dodgers and the Oakland (Las Vegas soon to be) A’s play the Rays in Tampa and the love of Arozarena the fans had for him was pretty special. He has the quality that fans really connect to. If there is a way for the Dodgers to get him they should do it.
Noooo! He’s all about himself and doesn’t fit in with the Dodger team approach.
Some of You write about Arozarena like if You know him. I seen this guy play, and he plays hard. And he also produces. He’s at his best in the playoffs. Imaginé him in between Betts and Freeman. The Dodgers top of the lineup would be dangerous. I for one, would love to see him in Dodgers blue….