The Seattle Mariners appear ready to part ways with one of their biggest stars despite his outstanding performance during the 2026 season.
All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena is heading toward free agency after putting together one of the strongest campaigns of his career. However, reports indicate that Seattle has little interest in pursuing a long-term deal with the 31-year-old.
The development comes just days after the Mariners extended Arozarena a qualifying offer for the 2027 season, giving the organization an opportunity to receive draft-pick compensation if he decides to sign with another team.
Although Arozarena has not completely ruled out a return to Seattle, recent reports suggest his future with the franchise is becoming increasingly uncertain.
At the same time, the Mariners have reportedly begun exploring another experienced outfielder who could potentially fill the void.
According to Adam Jude and Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Seattle has no intention of actively pursuing a long-term contract with Arozarena during the offseason.
The reporters also suggested that the veteran could secure a deal worth around $100 million on the open market following his exceptional 2026 campaign.
Arozarena certainly delivered the type of production that could attract significant interest from potential suitors.
The former Tampa Bay Rays standout played 154 games for Seattle, finishing the season with a .281 batting average, 26 home runs, 79 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.
He also recorded an impressive .865 OPS, making him a consistent offensive contributor in the middle of the Mariners’ batting order.
His performance earned him another All-Star appearance and further strengthened his position as one of the most appealing offensive players available in this year’s free-agent class.
Nevertheless, offering approximately $100 million to an outfielder approaching his age-32 season would represent a considerable financial commitment for Seattle.
That said, the Mariners have not entirely ruled out the possibility of keeping him.
On November 2, the organization extended Arozarena a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer. He has until November 17 to decide whether to accept or reject the proposal.
The qualifying offer provides Seattle with some additional flexibility, as the team would be eligible for draft-pick compensation if Arozarena turns it down and signs with another organization.
Given his strong season and expected demand, Arozarena is widely anticipated to seek a multi-year contract, making acceptance of the one-year offer seem unlikely.
For now, however, the decision remains in his hands as he considers Seattle’s offer against the opportunities available in free agency.
Mariners Interested in Seiya Suzuki as a Potential Arozarena Replacement
Interestingly, Seattle’s apparent reluctance to make a major investment in Arozarena doesn’t necessarily mean the organization intends to avoid pursuing high-profile veteran outfielders.
Jude and Divish also reported that the Mariners have shown interest in former Chicago Cubs standout Seiya Suzuki, another accomplished right-handed hitter who is entering free agency.
The 32-year-old is coming off a productive 2026 season, during which he hit .270 with 26 home runs and posted an .841 OPS.
The Japanese outfielder could offer Seattle a comparable offensive presence while potentially bringing additional defensive value in right field.
There is also some history between Suzuki and the Mariners.
Seattle previously pursued the outfielder when he made the move from Japan ahead of the 2022 season. However, Suzuki ultimately chose Chicago, signing a five-year contract worth $85 million with the Cubs.
Now, the Mariners could have another opportunity to bring him to the organization.
Still, the reported interest raises an interesting question about Seattle’s offseason priorities.
If the Mariners are hesitant to commit significant money to Arozarena, would they really be comfortable making a similarly substantial investment in an outfielder who is one year older?
Suzuki also received a qualifying offer from Chicago, meaning Seattle could face additional draft-pick implications if he rejects the offer and signs elsewhere.
Even so, the reported interest indicates that the Mariners remain interested in adding established offensive talent to their roster.
Seattle enters an important offseason following a disappointing 2026 campaign, and replacing Arozarena’s production would undoubtedly be a difficult challenge.
Whether the organization ultimately pursues Suzuki or identifies another potential replacement remains to be seen.
However, if The Seattle Times’ reporting is accurate, the Mariners could soon be preparing for life without one of their most productive hitters, while Arozarena looks toward securing a lucrative long-term contract elsewhere.
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