The Dodgers can take several routes at the MLB trade deadline depending on how they feel about Mookie Betts' health and his production at shortstop. ESPN's Jeff Passan lays out a scenario where Los Angeles sticks with Betts at short and instead trades for Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena.
Passan lists the Dodgers as the best match for Arozarena, who has struggled this year after having an All-Star campaign a season ago.
Landing under the bright lights at Dodger Stadium for a National League contender may be exactly what Arozarena needs to kickstart his 2024 season. At press time he's batting only .191 with a .652 OPS and 10 home runs. In his previous three seasons Arozarena was averaging 21 home runs and 25 stolen bases per season while hitting .264 with a .792 OPS.
That's the player LA would be hoping to acquire in a trade for the 29-year-old. Passan believes heading to Southern California will help dig Arozarena out of the rut he started the season in:
Following a dreadful April and May, Arozarena has looked like his typical self in June, and with Tampa Bay open to exploring deals, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman could turn to his old stomping grounds to round out a team that even without Arozarena looks the part of World Series contender.
It's worth noting with Arozarena that he has been a superstar in the postseason. In 33 playoff games he has 11 home runs and 17 RBIs while hitting .336 with a .414 on-base percentage and a 1.104 OPS.
Given that the Dodgers need players to help them get over the hump in October, it's hard to pick out a player at this trade deadline who is a better fit for LA than Arozarena.
