Report: Mariners inquired about Rays' Arozarena
The Seattle Mariners inquired about Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena earlier this offseason, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Seattle wasn't in a position to advance talks when it made its initial inquiry, but things may have changed after the club freed up payroll in recent weeks by trading Eugenio Suárez, Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales, and Evan White.
The Mariners need a left fielder after dealing Kelenic on Sunday. Arozarena would fit Seattle, as he's played the majority of his career at the position.
The 28-year-old has been a productive hitter for the Rays the past three seasons, recording .264/.349/.443 with 63 home runs, 241 RBIs, and 74 steals while accruing 9.8 fWAR.
Arozarena is projected to earn $9 million through arbitration for the 2024 campaign.
The Mariners have also been linked to Rays infielder Isaac Paredes, who played most of last season at third base.