The Rays made their first major trade, trading Randy Arozarena for a talented Mariners duo.
Who took over the race?
The Tampa Bay Rays have traded standout outfielder Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for two promising prospects, outfielder Aidan Smith and right-handed pitcher Brody Hopkins, and a player to be named later. The trade was officially announced by the Rays shortly after their series win in Toronto on Friday.
The deal is seen as a strategic move in the race to bolster the offensive lineup with experienced players. Both teams are expected to benefit from the deal, and Mariners general manager Justin Hollander has expressed his enthusiasm for adding Arozarena to the roster.
He said: “Randy is a dynamic, energetic, all-rounder who excels in the biggest moments on the biggest stages. He will be a great addition to our clubhouse and lineup.”
Who are Smith & Hopkins?
Smith appears to be the standout player in the Rays’ acquisition of Arozarena. The 20-year-old was drafted by Seattle in the fourth round last year out of Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas. The right-handed hitter got off to a strong start at Class A Modesto, hitting .284/.402/.470 with nine home runs, 26 doubles, 28 stolen bases, 63 runs and 42 RBI in 77 games.
Smith played all three outfield positions this year, and primarily played center field during his rookie season. He was considered the Mariners’ 12th-best prospect and ranked 11th in the Rays’ system, according to MLB Pipeline.
Meanwhile, Hopkins, 22, made 18 starts for Modesto in his first season as a pro pitcher, going 4-3 with a 2.90 ERA, 95 strikeouts, 40 walks and just two home runs in 83 2/3 innings. The Mariners drafted the South Carolina native out of Winthrop University in the sixth round of last year’s draft.
Hopkins was rated as Seattle’s 22nd-highest prospect, but MLB Pipeline has him ranked sixth in the Rays’ system.
Will Race regret trading Arosarena?
The popular left fielder who earned a reputation for his outstanding performances as Tampa Bay rallied to the American League Championship in 2020 is leaving the Rays. The 29-year-old, who is making $8.1 million in the second of four arbitration-eligible seasons and is due for two more raises, struggled early this season, hitting .158 with a .568 OPS through the end of May. But he adjusted his stance and approach and has reclaimed his form over the past two months, hitting .286/.392/.514 with seven home runs in his next 41 games.
Arozarena’s rising salary and the Rays’ inability to advance in postseason contention made him an obvious trade option. His track record, ability to be in the spotlight and control of the club through the 2026 season made him an attractive addition to the bat-hungry Mariners, who are one game behind the Astros in the AL West and a half game ahead of the Rays in the Wild Card standings.
Jack Bellamy
Junior Writer
Jack Bellamy
Junior Writer
