"Mariners going to need even more for the offense"- MLB fans react as Seattle acquires Randy Arozarena from Rays

The Seattle Mariners arguably pulled off the biggest move ahead of the 2024 MLB trade deadline so far by acquiring Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night. To acquire the Rays slugger, the Mariners reportedly offered two minor league players, outfielder Aidan Smith and right-handed pitcher Brody Hopkins, in addition to a third one to be named later on.

As expected, Mariners supporters were delighted to learn about Randy Arozarena joining their club. They expressed their joy on social media, although they feel it is still not enough to fully address the offensive woes of the team.

The Mariners had occupied the top spot in the American League West for much of the 2024 season, but it was largely due to a lack of competition in their division rather than anything else. They held a 10-game lead over their closest rivals in the division a month and a half ago, but have only managed a 9-23 record since June 18.

Despite having a vaunted pitching staff and a solid defense, the offensive production from the Mariners lineup has been woeful this season. At the moment, they have the lowest batting average (.216) and the fewest hits (730) in the MLB, as well as the most strikeouts (1,066). They also rank among the bottom three teams in runs scored, runs batted in, slugging and OPS.

Here's what some fan has to say about Arozarena's acquisition on X/Twitter:

"More offense required by the Seattle Mariners, but this seems a good addition and trade," one fan said.

"Step in a direction at least. Need more than one," another fan said.

Nevertheless, a section of Seattle Mariners fans are seemingly not entirely convinced that signing Randy Arozarena will resolve the issues with their offensive output this season:

"The worst offense in baseball traded for a guy batting .211," one fan said.

"The Mariners needed another low average, high strikeout guy," another fan sarcastically added.

".211 average? We have a dugout full of those," one fan said.

Other than Julio Rodriguez – who is currently on the IL – none of the Mariners hitters with at least 100 plate appearances are hitting above .240 this season.

Randy Arozarena is swinging a hot bat after an extended rough patch in 2024

Even though Arozarena offers a high ceiling with his offensive potential, he has performed well below par with the bat this year. Currently, the 2021 AL Rookie of the Year has a .213/.319/.398 slashline for the season with a .717 OPS. Notably, all of these figures are the lowest averages of his career so far.

However, Mariners fans will be happy to know that Randy Arozarena has been on a tear lately and is hitting .301/.403/.575 with a .978 OPS and seven home runs since June 14.

What do you think of Randy Arozarena joining the Seattle Mariners? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.