On July 24, 2024, the Seattle Mariners made a move that drew mixed reactions across the league. They traded for Tampa Bay Rays star outfielder Randy Arozarena, sending young talents Aidan Smith, Brody Hopkins, and later Ty Cummings to Tampa in return. A classic Jerry Dipoto swing, aggressive and full of upside.
One year later, it’s clear that Dipoto knocked it out of the park.
While the Mariners narrowly missed the postseason in 2024, that had nothing to do with Arozarena. He’s been everything Seattle hoped for, and then some. After playing his 162nd game in a Mariners uniform this season on August 1, Arozarena’s production stands tall as one of the more impactful year-long stretches than many realize.