Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Randy Arozarena

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Randy Arozarena made an impact.

Randy Arozarena is a Cuban-born Mexican professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in MLB. He previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals and is known for his impressive performance and contributions to his team. Arozarena has represented Mexico in international baseball competitions, after having played for Cuban youth national teams, showcasing his talent on both national and international stages.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: 2011 U-16 Baseball World Cup

In 2011, Arozarena represented his home country of Cuba at the youth level, playing in the U-16 Baseball World Cup.

2013: 2013 U-18 Baseball World Cup

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

2013: Played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río

In 2013, Randy Arozarena played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río of the Cuban National Series.

2013: Last time the Rays won the AL Rookie of the Year

In 2013, Wil Myers was the last Tampa Bay Rays player to win the AL Rookie of the Year until Arozarena won it in 2021.

2014: Played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río

In 2014, Randy Arozarena played for Vegueros de Pinar del Río of the Cuban National Series.

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, marking a significant step in his professional baseball career.

2016: Brief Stints in Mexican Leagues

In 2016, Arozarena had brief stints in the Mérida Winter League, Norte de México League, and with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League.

2016: Signed with the Cardinals

In 2016, Arozarena signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, starting his professional baseball career in MLB.

2017: Debut in the United States

In 2017, Arozarena debuted in the United States with the Palm Beach Cardinals, earning Florida State League All-Star honors before moving to the Springfield Cardinals. He showcased his skills with a .266 batting average, 11 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases.

2018: All-Star Futures Game and PCL Playoffs MVP

In 2018, Arozarena was selected to the All-Star Futures Game and named co-MVP of the PCL playoffs with Tommy Edman after helping Memphis win the Pacific Coast League title.

August 12, 2019: Contract Selected and Promoted to Major Leagues

On August 12, 2019, the Cardinals selected Arozarena's contract and promoted him to the major leagues, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2019: MLB Debut

In 2019, Arozarena made his Major League Baseball debut, marking a significant milestone in his career.

January 9, 2020: Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays

On January 9, 2020, Arozarena was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, along with José Martínez and a draft pick, marking a new chapter in his MLB career.

2020: Traded to Rays and Postseason Record

In 2020, Arozarena was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays and set an MLB record with 10 home runs in a single postseason, earning ALCS MVP honors against the Houston Astros.

2020: Postseason Success

In the 2020 postseason, Arozarena excelled, hitting three extra-base hits in the Wild Card Series and batting .429 with 3 home runs in the ALDS against the New York Yankees. He earned the ALCS MVP award after hitting .321 with four home runs against the Houston Astros. Arozarena also broke the all-time record for most home runs in a single postseason, attributing his success to his lucky cowboy boots.

2021: AL Rookie of the Year Award and Playoff Performance

In 2021, Arozarena batted .274 with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. During Game 1 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox, he hit a home run and stole home in the same playoff game. He won the AL Rookie of the Year Award, making him the first Ray to win the award since 2013.

2023: All-Star Game Selection

In 2023, Arozarena was named to his first All-Star Game, where he started in left field, marking a significant achievement in his MLB career.

2023: All-Star Selection and 20-20 Seasons

In 2023, Arozarena was voted to be a starting outfielder in the MLB All-Star Game. He competed in the Home Run Derby, losing in the final round. On August 31, 2023, he became the first MLB player to record three straight 20–20 seasons to begin his career.

July 25, 2024: Trade to the Seattle Mariners

On July 25, 2024, Arozarena was traded to the Seattle Mariners for Brody Hopkins, Aidan Smith, and Ty Cummings, starting a new phase in his career.

June 30, 2025: 100th Career Home Run

On June 30, 2025, Arozarena hit two home runs, including his 100th career home run off Royals pitcher Michael Wacha, marking a significant milestone in his career.