Rays rumors: Randy Arozarena trade buzz intensifies

The major league offseason is quickly approaching and many names have been thrown around with rumors of getting shipped away from their current teams to new organizations. One of those names is the Tampa Bay Rays' very own Randy Arozarena. 

Arozarena is coming off of a one-year deal during the 2023 season. The star left fielder is not a free agent until the 2027 offseason and he is arbitration-eligible currently this offseason heading into 2024. Many teams have popped up into the conversation for landing him including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, etc. 

Arozarena is a high-profile outfielder that adds a lot to any contender or team on both a defensive and offensive level. His bat was hot in key situations with 20+ home runs and 80+ RBIs with an OPS of .789.

One of the biggest standout things about his plate appearances was his patience and walk rate which was up there in the 88th percentile. This led to a comeback in his on-base percentage of .364 which was higher than his previous two seasons in 2021 and 2022. 

The accolades in Arozarena's arsenal are also enough to peak some of the top teams in the league. He was the ALCS MVP in 2020 when the Rays defeated the Houston Astros to go to the World Series. A year later, he won American League Rookie of the Year when he officially became a full-time MLB player. He also made his first All-Star game this season along with his teammates at the time, Shane McClanahan and Wander Franco. That same weekend, Arozarena was the Home Run Derby runner-up in his first time playing in the contest. 

The loss would be huge for Tampa Bay as more and more teams are looking into him as the trade talks pick up. But, it is safe to say, a haul may be needed to get Arozarena out of St. Pete.