Mariners make surprising blockbuster trade for Rays star

The Seattle Mariners struck the first blockbuster deal ahead of the MLB trade deadline, acquiring Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena in a surprising move, according to multiple reports.

Needing to add some power to the offense for the second half, the Mariners parted ways with two top-30 prospects and a player to be named later.

After dropping a 10-game lead in the AL West, the Mariners made a move to try to keep their heads above water in the wild-card race.

Mariners acquire Rays star Randy Arozarena

Here are the details of the blockbuster trade just before the deadline:

Mariners receive : OF Randy Arozarena
Rays receive : OF Aidan Smith (No. 12 prospect), RHP Brody Hopkins (No. 22), player to be named later

Despite a slow start to the season, Arozarena has looked much more like himself over the last two months. Since June 1, the former Rays star is hitting .284 with seven home runs, 18 RBI and a .903 OPS.

Arozarena is under team control through the 2026 season, earning $8.1 million in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Rays find themselves in complete sell mode now. Even at 52-51 and just 4.0 games out from the wild-card, the Rays seem to be making a choice to sell.

There's also a chance they move infielder Isaac Paredes, first baseman Yandy Diaz and right-handed starter Zach Eflin before the deadline.