Randy Arozarena wanted to experience the Randy Land vibe before leaving the town. On Thursday, the Tampa Bay Rays traded their star outfielder, Arozarena, to the Seattle Mariners before their clash against the Cincinnati Reds. The trade was in exchange for the pitcher Brody Hopkins, outfielder Aidan Smith, and one more player, whom the team decided to name afterward. With Arozarena having an $8.1 million salary and a one-year arbitration, the Rays decided to part ways with the 29-year-old outfielder.  

Randy has been with the Tampa Bay Rays since the 2020 MLB season. For the Bay Rays, he smashed 85 homers at an average of .255, 289 RBI, .786 OPS, and a massive 94 stolen bases. During Arozarena’s game against the Reds in 2023, he showcased a dominating performance, scoring 7-for-14 with three homers and a stolen base to clinch a victory. And hence, trading a player with such an impressive record has led to chaos among the Rays fans. However, surpassing these barriers, Arozarena was spotted taking this opportunity to visit the Tropicana field before joining the Seattle Mariners. 

A glance at Randy Arozarena’s probable last visit to the ‘Randy Land’

Sitting at the Tropicana fields, probably for the last time in the stands, Randy was having a great outing. At the stadium, he was accompanied by his family, friends, and relatives. Wearing sunglasses, Arozarena was spotted with his daughter sitting on his lap. Eventually, he left his seat at the bottom of the fifth inning to shake hands with the Rays fans before making his final way out. 

An ex-Rays player being at the Tropicana fields, Randy’s relationship with the Tampa Bay Rays has been a special one. Last year, the Rays scored 101-30, the best run stats in 13 games since 1884. Extending their winning streak, the team won their first 14 games at the Tropicana field. Eventually, to celebrate the success, Section 141 at the Tropicana field became the “Randy Land.” It was a tribute to their slugger Randy Arozarena for his unwavering contribution to Ray’s success. However, in the 2024 season, Arozarena’s career has been on a slight downcurve.

He is batting at an average of .211/.318/.394 and has smashed only 15 homers along with 16 stolen bases in 100 games. On the contrary, the Seattle Mariners are struggling in the offense and needing a spark; who signed Randy Arozarena on Thursday night. They have an OPS of .660, which is the third lowest in the entire Major League Baseball. With Randy, who won the AL-Rookie of the Year award in 2021, followed by an All-Star team appearance, they might get a good, considering the sluggish Mariners batting. Now, while the Seattle Mariner fans are happy, Tampa Bay Ray supporters shared mixed reactions to Randy Arozarena’s departure. 

Fans pour their epic reactions on Arozarena’s surprise visit to Tropicana Fields

Unarguably, one of the best outfielders in the 2024 trade market, Randy Arozarena’s trade was a shocker for the Tampa Bay Rays fans. Watching Arozarena in the stands, one fan commented, “Kinda weird, but okay.” Indeed, it is very rare we see players who leave a franchise and cheer for them as a fan rather than a player. However, Randy’s bond with the Bay Rays has been for five years. Among his reminiscent records, his 28 postseason appearances for the Rays were special. He struck at .349 with 11 homers, 17 RBI, had two stolen bases, and posted an impressive OPS of 1.138. 

While giving a shot at Arozarena’s new team, Mariners, another user wrote, “His new team is winning 8-0 in the 1st inning rn (ya I know it’s against the white sox.” In the American League Central, the White Sox are sitting at the last position with a PCT of just .255. Pouncing on the opportunity, the Mariners defeated them in today’s game. The Mariners scored eight runs in the first, including three back-to-back homers, winning 10-0 at the Guaranteed Rate Field.

Also, stating his intentions clearly to bring in Randy, a Rays fanatic said, “As a Rays fan I wouldn’t mind us giving him some of the Wander money once he hits free agency.” Currently, Arozarena is under club control for the two upcoming seasons till 2026 end. Hence, it will be only in 2027 when he can become a free agent, and the Rays, if they want, could try to get him back. 

“Mariner legend, the Miami Marlins crusher.” wrote another enthusiast, applauding the 29-year-old ex-Mariners outfielder. In the 2023 MLB season, Randy stole the third base against the Miami Marlins. Ultimately, he recorded three 20-20 seasons and became the first MLB player to achieve this feat. Lastly, admiring and praising Arozarena’s play in 2021, an enthusiastic fan said, “I watched Randy steal home in 2021. Seen him play dozens of other times but we love you, Randy.” Against the Red Sox in 2021, Arozarena Randy became the first player to smash a home run and steal a homer in the same game. Thereafter, he also won the AL Rookie of the Year award and became the first Rays player to clinch the title since Wil Myers in 2013. 

Despite the fans’ love for Arozarena, his trade-off to the Mariners is now the ultimate reality. With the Rays struggling with a .500 PCT and being at the fourth spot in AL East, they had to do something before the 30th July trade deadline. On the other hand, the Mariners have also struggled with their batting; especially, with Julio Rodriguez going to the IL with a high ankle sprain, getting Arozarena was necessary to rejuvenate their sloppy offense.

Will Randy be able to showcase his 2021 MLB performance for the Mariners? Share your thoughts in the comments section!