The Seattle Mariners seem ready to maneuver on from one in every of their largest stars regardless of his spectacular 2026 marketing campaign.
All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena is approaching free company after having fun with top-of-the-line seasons of his profession, however Seattle reportedly has no plans to pursue a long-term contract with the 31-year-old.
The information comes shortly after the Mariners prolonged Arozarena a qualifying supply for the 2027 season, creating the opportunity of receiving draft-pick compensation if he indicators elsewhere.
Whereas Arozarena hasn’t formally dominated out returning, the most recent reporting suggests his time in Seattle could possibly be coming to an finish.
In the meantime, the Mariners have already expressed curiosity in one other established free-agent outfielder.
Mariners Reportedly Plan to Transfer on From Randy Arozarena
In keeping with Adam Jude and Ryan Divish of The Seattle Instances, Seattle doesn’t intend to pursue a long-term settlement with Arozarena this offseason.
The reporters additionally indicated that the veteran outfielder may command a contract price roughly $100 million in free company following his excellent 2026 season.
Arozarena made a compelling case for a profitable deal this 12 months.
The previous Tampa Bay Rays standout appeared in 154 video games for Seattle, batting .281 with 26 residence runs, 79 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.
He additionally posted a powerful .865 OPS, offering constant manufacturing within the coronary heart of the Mariners’ lineup.
These numbers helped Arozarena earn one other All-Star choice and set up himself as one of the crucial enticing hitters obtainable this winter.
Nonetheless, committing roughly $100 million to an outfielder coming into his age-32 season would characterize a big monetary funding.
That doesn’t imply the group has fully closed the door on bringing him again.
The Mariners prolonged Arozarena a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying supply on November 2, which he has till November 17 to simply accept or decline.
This offers the crew flexibility, as they stand to obtain draft-pick compensation ought to Arozarena decline the supply and signal elsewhere.
He’s broadly anticipated to pursue a multi-year settlement, making his return on the one-year supply unlikely.
For now, nevertheless, he stays free to resolve whether or not to simply accept Seattle’s proposal or discover the open market.
Mariners Eye Seiya Suzuki as Potential Arozarena Substitute
Apparently, Seattle isn’t essentially planning to keep away from the marketplace for costly veteran outfielders altogether.
Jude and Divish additionally reported that the Mariners have curiosity in former Chicago Cubs star Seiya Suzuki, one other completed right-handed hitter coming into free company.
Suzuki, 32, is coming off a powerful 2026 season through which he batted .270 with 26 residence runs and an .841 OPS.
The Japanese standout may present Seattle with an analogous offensive presence whereas probably providing further worth defensively in proper area.
The Mariners are conversant in Suzuki too.
Seattle pursued the outfielder when he first arrived from Japan forward of the 2022 season, earlier than he signed a five-year, $85 million settlement with Chicago.
Now, the Mariners may have one other alternative to convey Suzuki to Seattle.
Nonetheless, the 2 conditions elevate an fascinating query.
If Seattle isn’t comfy investing closely in Arozarena, wouldn’t it actually be prepared to make a equally costly dedication to an outfielder who’s a 12 months older?
Suzuki additionally obtained a qualifying supply from Chicago, which means his acquisition may carry further draft-pick penalties if he declines it.
However, the reported curiosity suggests Seattle isn’t abandoning its seek for established offensive expertise.
The Mariners face an vital offseason after a disappointing 2026 marketing campaign, and changing Arozarena’s manufacturing could be no small job.
Whether or not that substitute comes by means of Suzuki or one other acquisition stays unsure.
But when The Seattle Instances’ reporting proves correct, Seattle may quickly be shifting ahead with out one in every of its best hitters whereas Arozarena prepares for a big payday elsewhere.
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