Trade Secured:A longtime Dodgers trade target has been secured for Los Angeles ahead of the deadline.Los Angeles Dodgers finally…
Could the Los Angeles Dodgers finally acquire Randy Arozarena before this year’s MLB trade deadline?
The Dodgers have shown interest in the 2023 All-Star outfielder but have yet to finalize a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays to secure him. With the team currently in need of outfield help, Arozarena appears to be a natural fit.
ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney believes the Dodgers could complete a trade for Arozarena, especially given their recent history of trades with the Rays, including the Tyler Glasnow deal.
“The Rays, even when they’re at their best, they’re always managing payroll,” Olney told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain. “And we know that the Dodgers and the Rays can make trades. They speak the same language — through the years that has been the case. I do think that if someone comes in and wants to get Arozarena and is willing to pay the price, they will move him because that’s what they do. They turn over their roster, they always try to stay one step ahead of their payroll challenges… I do think that they will listen to other teams that will talk about Randy.”
Arozarena has had a challenging season at the plate, hitting .202/.309/.362 with 12 home runs and 31 RBIs. However, his performance has improved recently, batting .291 in June and .244 in July after struggling below .200 in April and May.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers still have a pressing need for outfield support, especially with Jason Heyward sidelined since July 4. While Chris Taylor has seen significant playing time, he’s batting just .156 this year.
If the Dodgers decide against pursuing Arozarena, other outfield options like the Los Angeles Angels’ Taylor Ward and the Chicago White Sox’s Luis Robert Jr. are also expected to be available.
