Mariners, Randy Arozarena Avoid Arbitration With One-Year Deal

The Seattle Mariners have wrapped up some crucial offseason business by settling all seven of their arbitration cases. The headline move? A one-year deal with outfielder Randy Arozarena.

This agreement secures a middle-of-the-order bat for 2025. It also gives the front office more flexibility as they keep tinkering with the roster.

Let’s dig into what this means for Arozarena, the Mariners’ lineup, and Seattle’s bigger offseason plans.

Mariners Lock In Randy Arozarena Ahead of 2025

The Mariners agreed to a one-year, $15.65 million contract with Randy Arozarena, sidestepping arbitration with one of their most dynamic players. They picked up Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2024 trade deadline, and he showed up in Seattle with plenty of hype.

He struggled at first, but he eventually settled in and became a key power bat in the lineup. His knack for making things happen made the investment feel like a no-brainer for a club aiming to make a real playoff push.

Arozarena’s 2025 Performance in Context

In 2025, Arozarena put up a slash line of .238/.334/.426, though those numbers don’t really capture the full picture. He hit a career-high 27 home runs and stole 31 bases, his second-best mark in that category.

That kind of power-speed combo is tough to find, especially in Seattle’s ballpark. Considering the park factors, Arozarena’s value stands out even more.

Since joining the Mariners, he’s been 22% better than league average by weighted runs created plus (wRC+). That’s no small feat at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park.

A Team-Friendly Arbitration Outcome

The $15.65 million salary landed well below what most expected. MLB Trade Rumors’ Matt Swartz had guessed Arozarena would get around $18.2 million in arbitration, so the final deal is about 14% lower than that projection.

That extra wiggle room matters. In today’s market, a few million bucks can mean the difference between adding a late-inning reliever or just standing pat.

One More Year of Team Control

Arozarena stays under team control for one more arbitration season before he hits free agency next winter. That puts a little pressure on Seattle to make the most of this window, knowing they might only get one more guaranteed year with him after 2025.

Other Arbitration Deals and Roster Implications

Seattle also reached an agreement with ace right-hander George Kirby for $6.65 million. They settled deals for Logan Gilbert, Gabe Speier, Luke Raley, Matt Brash, and Bryce Miller as well, but Kirby’s contract really stands out as another big piece of the core sticking around.

With arbitration out of the way, the front office can finally focus on building the roster instead of fighting over contracts.

Projected Lineup Role for Arozarena

Manager Dan Wilson will likely slot Arozarena near the top of a lineup that’s already loaded with talent.

Arozarena brings on-base skills, speed, and power—a pretty ideal mix for driving in runs. He should fit right in.

What Comes Next for Seattle

The Mariners aren’t done. The club keeps looking for more offense, especially in the infield.

Names like Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals and Ketel Marte from the Diamondbacks have popped up. A reunion with Eugenio Suárez? That’s still on the table, too.

Because Arozarena’s arbitration cost landed lower than expected, Seattle suddenly has a bit more payroll room. That extra flexibility might help them chase bullpen help and lineup upgrades.

For a team with October hopes, a little financial wiggle room can be just as valuable as any splashy signing. Maybe even more, depending on how things shake out.

 
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