The Seattle Mariners could face a major offseason decision involving one of their most important offensive pieces, as All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena is already being linked to a potentially massive free-agent contract elsewhere.
While Seattle remains focused on its current season, Arozarena’s future could become a major storyline once the offseason arrives. A new prediction from Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller has the Chicago Cubs making a serious push for the Mariners star, projecting them to sign him to a five-year, $97.5 million deal.
The prediction comes as the Cubs are expected to have significant needs both in their starting rotation and outfield. Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, along with recently acquired Tyrone Taylor, are all set to become free agents after the season, potentially leaving Chicago searching for replacements.
Miller believes Arozarena could ultimately become the Cubs’ answer in the outfield.
“But with the Cubs slated to lose both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki this winter, he would fit seamlessly into that outfield,” Miller wrote about Arozarena. “Prediction: 5 years, $97.5M with the Chicago Cubs.”
For Mariners fans, that prediction is certainly worth watching.
Arozarena has quickly established himself as an important part of Seattle’s lineup, and losing him in free agency would create a significant hole for the Mariners to fill. The 31-year-old has also continued to produce at a high level during his first season with Seattle.
Arozarena, a three-time All-Star and former ALCS MVP, has posted 3.7 bWAR through 109 games this season. He has recorded 113 hits, 73 runs, 24 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs, 49 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and 45 walks while batting .282 with an .827 OPS.
Those numbers help explain why another club could be willing to make a major financial commitment to him.
For Seattle, however, the possibility of Arozarena leaving would be a difficult one to ignore. The Mariners would have to determine whether they are willing to make a significant investment to keep one of their key offensive players or risk watching him take his talents elsewhere.
There would be some long-term risk for any team committing nearly $100 million to Arozarena through his age-36 season. Still, his production, experience and postseason track record could make him one of the more attractive outfielders available.
And if Miller’s prediction becomes reality, the Mariners could find themselves facing a major offseason decision much sooner than their fans would like.