History of Randy Arozarena in Timeline

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

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 outfielder.

Others born on this day/year

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.

June 2015: Fled Cuba

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

2015: Defection to Mexico

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

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.

2018: Birth of daughter

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

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: Injury and Return to Action

In 2019, Arozarena began the season on the injured list due to a fractured hand during spring training but 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 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.

November 23, 2020: Arrest in Mexico

On November 23, 2020, Arozarena was arrested in Mexico's Yucatán state after allegedly trying to kidnap his daughter and assaulting her mother's father. He was released two days later after the child's mother did not press charges.

2020: Intention to Play for Mexico

In 2020, Arozarena announced his intention to play for Mexico, expressing his connection to the country and his daughter born there.

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: Film Based on Life

In 2020, a film based on Arozarena's life was being developed.

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.

2021: Birth of second daughter

In 2021, Arozarena's second daughter was born, expanding his family.

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, allowing him to represent the country in international baseball competitions.

2022: Stolen Base Numbers

In 2022, Arozarena stole 32 bases, tying for third in the majors, but also led the league by being caught stealing 12 times. He maintained a strong offensive presence with a .269 batting average and 20 home runs.

2022: Film Estimated Release

In 2022, the film about Arozarena's life was estimated to be released.

May 21, 2023: All-Tournament Award

On May 21, 2023, Arozarena received his All-WBC tournament award from Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard at a Rays game, recognizing his outstanding performance in the World Baseball Classic.

2023: Film Update

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: Representing Mexico

In 2023, Arozarena represented Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

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.

2023: Relationship with Adolis García

In 2023, Randy Arozarena described his friendship with fellow Cuban outfielder Adolis Garcia, who is the godfather of one of his daughters, highlighting their close bond. They started in the outfield in the 2023 All-Star Game.

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.

2024: Struggling Start and Trade Rumors

In 2024, Arozarena experienced a slow start, batting .158 at the end of May. Due to the Rays' poor performance in mid-June, trade rumors began to circulate.

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.