Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena is just not dwelling as much as expectations this season.
Arozarena had been a gradual contributor for the Rays over the previous three years. He averaged a .264/.349/.443 batting line with 21 homers and 31 doubles whereas stealing 25 bases over that span. This season has been a special story, as Arozarena has struggled to a .178/.291/.326 batting line in his 282 plate appearances, hitting 9 homers and 9 doubles.
There’s extra to Arozarena than his common season numbers. He has been a drive within the postseason, posting a .336/.414/.690 batting line in 128 plate appearances, hitting 11 homers and 5 doubles. Arozarena was named the MVP of the 2020 ALCS when he had 9 hits, together with 4 homers, to propel the Rays to their second American League pennant. Add in his two extra years of crew management and Arozarena might deliver a haul again to Tampa Bay.
A disappointing season for the Rays (34-38, final in AL East) and Arozarena’s rising wage might put the previous All-Star on the commerce block. Let us take a look at three doable touchdown spots.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves’ outfield state of affairs has turn out to be an issue. Ronald Acuna Jr. is misplaced for the season as a consequence of a torn ACL. Michael Harris II landed on the injured listing with a grade 2 hamstring pressure, one thing that’s anticipated to sideline Harris “for a very long time.” As soon as a energy, the Braves outfield begins Adam Duvall, Jarred Kelenic and Ramon Laureano from left to proper.
Arozarena might be a part of the answer this season and into the longer term. Duvall and Laureano are slated without cost company on the finish of the yr, leaving a spot within the outfield. If Acuna and Harris are in a position to return to kind, the Braves might have one of the best outfield in baseball going ahead if they bring about Arozarena on board.
Kansas Metropolis Royals
The Royals (41-32) have been one of many greatest surprises in baseball. A revamped rotation and clutch hitting have put the Royals in the midst of the playoff hunt. Nonetheless, the Royals are nonetheless a flawed crew, needing assist in the bullpen and outfield.
Outfield is a specific want for the Royals. Heading into Sunday, Royals outfielders had posted a .212/.275/.360 batting line – rating twenty ninth in batting common, final in on-base share and twenty fourth in slugging. The Royals are recognized to be in search of assist in the outfield and had been linked to Luis Robert lately. Though Arozarena has struggled, his observe file of success and talent to achieve one other degree within the postseason make him a worthwhile goal.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Regardless of spending over $1 billion in the course of the offseason, the Dodgers have a number of holes. The most important gap could also be in left, the place Chris Taylor has been dreadful. He has posted a .108/.200/.151 batting line in 106 plate appearances, hitting one homer and one double. The Dodgers want extra, particularly now that Mookie Betts has a damaged bone in his left wrist.
Arozarena wouldn’t solely fill the void in left discipline however he might be one other piece to a championship puzzle. Though the Dodgers have reached the postseason yearly since 2013, their solely World Collection title got here within the pandemic shortened 2020 season. One title is just not sufficient with their payroll and expertise. Arozarena would give the Dodgers one other harmful bat that they want.
