Seattle Mariners Offseason: Randy Arozarena Trade Talks and Roster Strategy

On paper at least, the last thing the Seattle Mariners should be thinking about is intentionally subtracting a big bat from their offense this winter.

The Seattle Mariners face a challenging offseason as they stand to lose key offensive players like Josh Naylor, Eugenio Suárez, and Jorge Polanco to free agency. Despite this, speculation is swirling that Randy Arozarena, a two-time All-Star left fielder, could be traded this winter, along with pitcher Luis Castillo. This potential move reflects a strategic approach to managing the team’s roster and payroll as they prepare for the 2026 season.

• Randy Arozarena and Luis Castillo are the two players the Mariners might trade this offseason.
• Arozarena, despite solid past performance, showed a decline in late 2025 and has limited surplus trade value.
• Trade proposals include potential deals with the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers involving promising prospects and bullpen reinforcements.
• Arozarena is entering his last arbitration year with a projected salary of $18.2 million and is key to the Mariners’ offensive lineup.
• Arozarena is making history with his rare 20-20-20 season performance, combining power, speed, and resilience at the plate.

Mariners’ offseason dilemma: to trade a star or maintain offensive power

Despite the Mariners’ need to maintain offensive strength, the possibility of trading Randy Arozarena is gaining traction. With losses looming in free agency, the team is weighing the advantage of clearing payroll space versus retaining one of their prime bats. Arozarena’s recent performance slump and impending free agency reduce his trade market value, prompting creative trade discussions.

Evaluating Arozarena’s trade value and performance

Randy Arozarena has been a valuable contributor with 4.9 rWAR over 219 games but experienced a notable decline in the latter part of the 2025 season. His OPS fell significantly from July through the postseason, signaling potential reasons for the Mariners to consider trade options. Projected to earn $18.2 million next season without a no-trade clause, Arozarena is more flexible to move compared to Luis Castillo, whose hefty $24.15 million salaries for upcoming seasons make him a tougher trade candidate.

Strategic trade proposals

Three major trade proposals have emerged involving prominent MLB teams:

San Diego Padres Proposal

Philadelphia Phillies Proposal

Alvarado, a capable reliever when healthy, could strengthen the Mariners’ bullpen depth, and Wood, a recent high draft pick with a powerful fastball, represents a future asset for the club.

Los Angeles Dodgers Proposal

Taking on Treinen’s $13.5 million salary might be worthwhile for Seattle given his past elite pitching seasons. The Mariners also gain Copen, a talented but developing pitcher with high velocity and secondary pitches, fitting well with their development system.

Arozarena’s remarkable career and historical achievements

Randy Arozarena’s impact extends beyond trade discussions. Known for his explosive performance with the Tampa Bay Rays, he set MLB playoff records in 2020, smashing ten home runs and earning ALCS MVP honors. His postseason heroics helped Tampa Bay reach the World Series and left a lasting legacy before his trade to Seattle.

Contract status and arbitration outlook

Although under contract, Arozarena approaches his final arbitration year with a projected salary of $18.2 million for 2026—the highest he has earned to date. His energetic leadership and consistent power-speed combination make him a critical part of the Mariners’ bid to return to the postseason and contend for a World Series title.

Unique 20-20-20 season milestone

Arozarena is notable for his unique blend of skills: hitting for power, stealing bases, and enduring frequent hit-by-pitches (HBP). Matching only a handful of players in MLB history, this season he is on pace to reach 25+ home runs, steals, and HBPs—making him the first to achieve such a feat simultaneously. This rare accomplishment highlights his resilience and multifaceted talent.

Mariners’ lineup dynamics and future prospects

Alongside Arozarena, Mariners’ young stars such as Julio Rodríguez are key offensive catalysts. Rodríguez’s recent clutch performances, including home runs and leadership at the plate, further strengthen the team’s lineup. The addition of Josh Naylor, acquired in a trade with the Diamondbacks, adds another powerful bat, enhancing Seattle’s offensive potential.

Team outlook and offseason expectations

Currently enjoying their first division title since 2021, the Mariners are ambitious for a deep postseason run. While contract negotiations and potential trades loom, the team’s competitive spirit remains high. Fans and management alike watch closely to see if Seattle will retain Arozarena or use his value to secure promising prospects and payroll flexibility.

In conclusion, the Seattle Mariners stand at a crossroads. Balancing the retention of a star like Randy Arozarena against the practicalities of roster building and payroll management will define their offseason strategy. Whether through trades with the Padres, Phillies, or Dodgers, or by keeping their dynamic outfielder, the Mariners are preparing to position themselves strongly for the 2026 campaign and beyond. Arozarena’s historic season and powerful presence remain central to the team’s ambitions, making any decision surrounding him highly consequential for the franchise’s future.