As the MLB trade deadline approaches, Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain discussed potential trade targets with ESPN reporter Buster Olney. Olney did not think it was likely that some targets would end up with the Dodgers. But, he didn’t rule out Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena as a top contender for Los Angeles at the deadline.
“I do think that if someone comes in and wants to get Arozarena and is willing to pay the price, they will move him because that’s what they do. They turn over their roster, they always try to stay one step ahead of their payroll challenges… I do think that they will listen to other teams that will talk about Randy.”
Last season, Arozarena was selected for the American League All-Star team for the first time in his career. He was also named the 2021 American League Rookie of the Year.
Arozarena struggled at the beginning of the season, slashing .202/.309/.362 with 93 strikeouts and 42 walks overall this season. He has shown improvement in recent months, averaging .291 in June and .244 in July so far. Arozarena has recorded 12 home runs, 31 RBIs, and reached 118 total bases across 326 plate appearances.
Adding Arozarena to the roster would help resolve a prominent issue regarding unreliability at the bottom of the lineup. In 2020, he set the MLB record for most home runs in a postseason with 10.
Additionally, Arozarena would help deepen the Dodgers’ outfield — another issue the Dodgers have faced this season with the absence of Jason Heyward and the underwhelming play of Chris Taylor and James Outman. Arozarena is currently signed to a one-year $8.1 million contract.
“The Rays, even when they’re at their best, they’re always managing payroll. And we know that the Dodgers and the Rays can make trades. They speak the same language — through the years that has been the case.”
