Seattle Mariners Offseason: Why Does Team Value Suzuki Over Arozarena?

According to recent reports, the Seattle Mariners are trying to secure an in-person visit with free agent outfielder Seiya Suzuki before the impending MLB lockout (Dec. 1). Suzuki, by all accounts, appears to the M's biggest target in free agency.

And it's understandable why: The 32-year-old hit .270 in 2026 with 26 homers and 86 RBIs. He had a .368 on-base percentage and an OPS+ of 131.

And over the last five years, he's averaged .269 with 27 homers and 92 RBIs per season. He's been extremely productive and he would absolutely help a Mariners offense that needs to get better in 2027.

But the question is this: Why do the Mariners prefer Suzuki, an out-of-organization outfielder, who requires draft pick compensation to sign, over Randy Arozarena, a guy they've known for the last 2.5 years?

After all, Arozarena hit .281 this season, better than Suzuki. He also had 26 stolen bases and a .381 on-base percentage, also better than Suzuki. His 148 OPS+ was better. Both players will be playing next year in their age 32 season, so it isn't solely about age, and both players will in the same ballpark financially, so it isn't solely about money.

The M's went just 76-86 this season, finishing in third place in the American League West. Seattle was among the most disappointing teams in the league, and they are just looking for "different" moving forward.

Right or wrong, the Mariners have a new manager and several new members of the coaching staff. They also are moving on from JP Crawford, and with a clear preference to move on from Arozarena, maybe they are just doing all they can to change up the energy from one year to another.

Jerry Dipoto recently spoke about the club's desire to get back into the Japanese market, where the Mariners haven't signed a player since 2019 (Yusei Kikuchi). Signing Suzuki would help the Mariners on the field and he would serve as a direct replacement for Arozarena, but it would also be good for the business of the Mariners. 

Creating international brand awareness again is a good thing financially. That's something that Arozarena does not do.

Neither player has been historically well-regarded defensively, but Suzuki is coming off an excellent year in right field for the Cubs. The Mariners were among the worst defensive teams in baseball in 2026 and if they can add to their offense and defense at the same time? That has to be appealing.

The M's new manager knows Suzuki from their time in Chicago. Perhaps he's pushing for the signing, and perhaps the M's are listening.