Rays Boost Their Squad With Mariners Duo Swap Deal

The Rays have made their first major trade by swapping Randy Arozarena for talented Mariners duo.  

Who have the Rays acquired?

The Tampa Bay Rays have traded standout outfielder Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for two promising prospects, outfielder Aidan Smith and right-handed pitcher Brody Hopkins, as well as a player who will be named at a later date. The trade was officially announced by the Rays shortly after their Friday series win in Toronto.

This transaction appears to be a strategic move for the Rays, who are seeking to bolster their offensive lineup with skilled players. Both teams are expected to benefit from this trade, with Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander expressing enthusiasm about adding Arozarena to their roster.

He said: “Randy is a dynamic, high-energy all-around player who has excelled in the biggest moments on the biggest stages. He’s going to be a great addition to our clubhouse and lineup.”

Who are Smith and Hopkins?

Smith appears to be the standout player in the Rays’ acquisition for Arozarena. The 20-year-old was chosen by Seattle in the fourth round of last year’s Draft from Lovejoy High School in Lucas, Texas. He, a right-handed batter, had a strong start for Single-A Modesto, hitting .284/.402/.470 with nine home runs, 26 doubles, 28 stolen bases, 63 runs, and 42 RBIs in 77 games.

Smith has covered all three outfield positions this year, having primarily played center field in his rookie season. He was considered the Mariners’ 12th best prospect and was ranked 11th in the Rays’ system by MLB Pipeline.

Meanwhile, Hopkins, 22, posted a 4-3 record with a 2.90 ERA, 95 strikeouts, 40 walks, and just two home runs allowed in 83 2/3 innings across 18 starts for Modesto in his first season as a professional pitcher. The Mariners drafted the Winthrop University product, a South Carolina native, in…

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Author : Jack Bellamy

Publish date : 2024-07-26 15:53:04

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