Could the New York Yankees swing a trade for this outstanding playoff performer?
The New York Yankees absolutely need to add some more pizazz to their lineup this offseason after watching their offense largely flame out in the playoffs.
We know that the middle of the order is strong for the Yankees. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton comprise a dynamic duo, and if New York brings Cody Bellinger back, the top half of its lineup will be very impressive once again.
But there is no question that the Yanks have some holes that they need to patch, and even if they re-sign Bellinger, they must search for other answers, too.
Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com has pitched some ideas for the Yankees this offseason, focusing on their outfield in a recent piece. While naming some potential candidates for the Bronx Bombers, he floated the possibility of New York swinging a trade for Seattle Mariners slugger Randy Arozarena.
Yes, Arozarena is another high strikeout guy, but there is also a lot to like about him.
He slashed .238/.334/.426 with 27 home runs and 76 RBI over 709 plate appearances this past season while also stealing 31 bases en route to his second All-Star selection.
Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena. Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images.And you know what else? Arozarena is a lifetime .292/.380/.565 playoff hitter with 12 homers across 45 career postseason contests.
Back in 2020, Arozarena slugged 10 home runs in a historically great playoff run, leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a World Series appearance. Yes, he only registered a .574 OPS in the 2025 playoffs with the Mariners, but his overall track record speaks for itself.
Given that the Yankees have always tended to have so much trouble scoring in October in recent years, Arozarena could be a breath of fresh air.
Unfortunately, the 30-year-old is not good defensively, so sticking him in left field and then moving Bellinger to center (where he is far weaker) could be a problem. But the idea of having a proven playoff performer like Arozarena in your lineup is tantalizing.
Plus, Arozarena only has one year remaining on his contract, so the Yankees would probably be able to acquire him fairly cheaply with no financial obligation beyond 2026. He is projected to earn around $18 million in arbitration next season.
Will there be better options available than Arozarena? Sure. Kyle Tucker will be out there, after all. But we do have to be realistic. The chances of Hal Steinbrenner retaining Bellinger and signing Tucker are slim. Re-signing Bellinger and acquiring Arozarena though? Seems like a Brian Cashman type of move.