History of Randy Arozarena in Timeline

Randy Arozarena is a Cuban-born Mexican professional baseball left fielder currently playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in MLB. He previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals and will be playing for the Seattle Mariners in 2025. Arozarena has represented Mexico in international baseball competitions, showcasing his talent on a global stage. Known for his dynamic play and postseason heroics, Arozarena has become a prominent figure in baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 28, 1995: Randy Arozarena's Birth

On February 28, 1995, Randy Lia Arozarena González was born. He is a Cuban-born Mexican professional baseball left fielder.

Others born on this day/year

2011: Played in U-16 Baseball World Cup

In 2011, Arozarena represented Cuba in the U-16 Baseball World Cup.

2013: Played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río

During the 2013-14 season, Arozarena played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río of the Cuban National Series.

2013: Played in U-18 Baseball World Cup

In 2013, Arozarena represented Cuba in the U-18 Baseball World Cup in Taichung, where Cuba won the bronze medal.

2013: Wil Myers won AL Rookie of the Year

In 2013, Wil Myers was the first Ray to win the AL Rookie of the Year Award

2014: Played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río

During the 2014-15 season, Arozarena played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río of the Cuban National Series.

June 2015: Fled Cuba to Mexico

In June 2015, shortly after his father's death, Arozarena fled Cuba on a small boat to Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

2015: Defection to Mexico

In 2015, Arozarena defected from Cuba to Mexico on a small boat.

August 1, 2016: Signed with St. Louis Cardinals

On August 1, 2016, Arozarena signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as an international free agent for $1.25 million.

2016: Brief Stints in Mexican Leagues

In 2016, Arozarena had brief stints in the Mérida Winter League, the Norte de México League, and with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League, before playing for the Mayos de Navojoa of the Mexican Pacific League in the winter after the 2016 season.

2016: Signing with the Cardinals

In 2016, Arozarena signed with the St. Louis Cardinals.

2017: Debut in the United States

In 2017, Arozarena debuted in the United States with the Palm Beach Cardinals, was named a Florida State League All-Star, and advanced to the Springfield Cardinals in July. He had a combined .266 batting average with 11 home runs, 49 RBI, and 18 stolen bases over 121 games with both clubs.

2018: All-Star Futures Game and PCL Playoffs MVP

In 2018, Arozarena was a non-roster invitee to the Cardinals' spring training, was selected to the All-Star Futures Game, helped Memphis win the Pacific Coast League (PCL) title, and was named a co-MVP of the PCL playoffs.

2018: Daughter born in Mexico

In 2018, one of Arozarena's two daughters was born in Mexico.

August 12, 2019: Promoted to Major Leagues

On August 12, 2019, the Cardinals selected Arozarena's contract and promoted him to the major leagues.

2019: Injured List and Return to Action

Arozarena began the 2019 season on the injured list after fracturing his hand during spring training. He returned to action in May with Springfield before being promoted back to Memphis in June.

2019: MLB Debut

In 2019, Arozarena made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

January 9, 2020: Traded to Tampa Bay Rays

On January 9, 2020, Arozarena was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays with José Martínez and a draft pick for Matthew Liberatore, Edgardo Rodriguez, and a draft pick.

November 23, 2020: Arrested in Mexico

On November 23, 2020, Arozarena was arrested in Mexico for allegedly trying to kidnap his daughter and assaulting her grandfather. He was released two days later.

2020: Postseason Success

During the 2020 postseason, Arozarena excelled, setting records and winning the ALCS MVP. He attributed his performance to his lucky "power boots".

2020: Intention to Play for Mexico

In 2020, Arozarena announced his intention to play for Mexico in international baseball.

2020: Trade to Rays and Postseason Record

In 2020, Arozarena was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. He set an MLB record with 10 home runs in a single postseason and won the American League Championship Series MVP.

2020: Film About Arozarena's Life

In 2020, a film based on Arozarena's life was being developed with an estimated release in 2022 or 2023.

2021: Birth of Second Daughter

Arozarena's second daughter was born in 2021.

2021: AL Rookie of the Year Award

In 2021, Arozarena won the AL Rookie of the Year Award and became the first player to hit a home run and steal home in the same playoff game.

October 2022: MLB Announcement to play for Mexico

In October 2022, MLB announced that Arozarena would play for Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

2022: Became a Mexican Citizen

In 2022, Arozarena became a Mexican citizen, prior to representing the country in international baseball.

2022: Stolen Bases and Caught Stealing

In 2022, Arozarena stole 32 bases, tying for third in the majors, but also led the major leagues by being caught stealing 12 times.

2022: Film About Arozarena's Life

In 2022, a film based on Arozarena's life was being developed with an estimated release in 2022 or 2023.

May 21, 2023: Received All-Tournament Award

On May 21, 2023, Arozarena received his All-WBC tournament award from Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard at a Rays game.

2023: Film Project Fell Through

In 2023, Arozarena confirmed that the film about his life had fallen through but said he still wanted to make a movie about his life.

2023: Relationship with Adolis Garcia

In 2023, Arozarena described Adolis Garcia, who is the godfather of one of his daughters, as "kind of like my brother". The two outfielders were teammates and roommates in the Cardinals' minor league system and both started in the outfield in the 2023 All-Star Game.

2023: World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Arozarena played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

2023: All-Star Game Selection

In 2023, Arozarena was named to his first All-Star Game, starting in left field.

2023: All-Star Game and Home Run Derby

In 2023, Arozarena was voted to be a starting outfielder in the MLB All-Star Game, competed in the Home Run Derby, hit a walk-off single on August 12, and on August 31 became the first MLB player to record three straight 20–20 seasons to begin his career.

July 25, 2024: Traded to Seattle Mariners

On July 25, 2024, Arozarena was traded to the Seattle Mariners for Brody Hopkins, Aidan Smith, and Ty Cummings. He said goodbye to Rays fans in "Randy Land" following the trade.

2024: Slump and Trade Rumors

Arozarena had a slow start to 2024, and as the Rays struggled, trade rumors began to surface. He ultimately hit .211/.318/.394 with 15 home runs in 100 games for the Rays.

2024: Trade to Seattle Mariners

During the 2024 season, Tampa Bay traded Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners.

2025: Second All-Star Game

In 2025, Arozarena was named an All-Star for the second time in his career, replacing teammate Julio Rodríguez. He hit his 100th career home run and completed his fifth consecutive 20-20 season.

2025: Ernie Clement Surpassed Arozarena for Most Hits

In 2025, Ernie Clement surpassed Pablo Sandoval for the most hits in a single postseason record of 27, which Arozarena had surpassed Derek Jeter for most hits by a rookie in the postseason in 2020