Rays trade Randy Arozarena to Mariners for prospects

TORONTO — The Rays made their first major trade early Friday morning, shipping outfielder Randy Arozarena to the Mariners for a package of minor-leaguers.

The deal is expected to be announced later Friday.

Arozarena, 29, got off to to a miserable start this season but has played better since early June, compiling a .213 average, 15 homers, 36 RBIs, 16 steals and a .717 OPS.

The return from Seattle includes minor-league outfielder Aidan Smith, right-hander Brody Hopkins and a player to be named.

Smith, a fourth-round pick in 2023, was ranked the Mariners’ No. 12 prospect by mlb.com. The right-handed hitter is playing at Class A Modesto, hitting .284 with nine homers, 42 RBIs, 28 steals and an .872 OPS. Hopkins, a sixth-round picks in 2023, was ranked No. 22. He is 4-3, 2.90 at Class A Modesto with 95 strikeouts over 83⅔ innings.

Arozarena, acquired from St. Louis in a January 2020 trade, has been a key part of the Rays’ success since his record-setting performance during the 2020 postseason and has reached the 20-homer, 20-steal mark in each of the three full seasons since, and is on his way again this year.

He is making $8.1 million this season and due for raises with two more years of arbitration eligibility.

The Rays are likely to use Jonny DeLuca and Richie Palacios to replace Arozarena in the outfield.

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