The Los Angeles Dodgers remain active this offseason with the latest speculation being a rumored trade to acquire Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot from the Tampa Bay Rays.
A deal hasn’t yet been finalized, but the Dodgers would be sending Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca to the Rays for Glasnow and Margot. The Rays have been actively looking to trade their ace this offseason as Glasnow has just one year left on his current contract.
The Dodgers still lack a clear option in left field, and Mookie Betts’ transition to a primary second baseman in 2024 only furthers their need for outfielders. Randy Arozarena was discussed in early December as potentially being available via trade as well.
Although Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has often acquired multiple players in a single trade, Arozarena isn’t expected to be included in the latest deal that may be coming to fruition with the Rays, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times:
The deal doesn’t include Rays All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena, though he fueled speculation about his status with an Instagram post late Tuesday that included two photos of himself with new Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani from the World Baseball Classic in March.
Arozarena is projected by MLB Trade Rumors to receive a $9 million salary for the 2024 season by way of arbitration. He is coming off a first career All-Star selection and will turn 29 years old when the season.
Randy Arozarena is either breaking news or a funny guy. pic.twitter.com/2MzPR6bgLh
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) December 13, 2023
Despite Arozarena not appearing to be part of the Rays’ trade with the Dodgers, he fueled speculation late Tuesday night by posting a photo of himself with Shohei Ohtani.
Arozarena has hit 63 home runs since 2021, and in his career owns an .802 on-base plus slugging percentage. He’s been credited with an aggressive and passionate style of play, which would be a welcomed upgrade to the Dodgers’ roster.
What could Randy Arozarena bring to Dodgers?
Arozarena’s play during the 2020 postseason was among the best in Major League Baseball history. It was essentially his coming party to the league, and he’s since continued to be an integral piece to the Rays.
The Dodgers have a current hole in left field with the departure of David Peralta, and Arozarena fills that need, while bringing an inherent fire with his passion. In 33 postseason games, Arozarena owns a .336 batting average, with 38 hits, 11 home runs and 17 RBI.
Although the bulk of that is from the 2020 playoffs, he’s tallied an .816 OPS in eight postseason games since. Arozarena would provide stability to the outfield alongside James Outman, opening the door to Jason Heyward to effectively platoon in right field.
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