Arozarena Projected for Four-Year, $90 Million Deal

Philadelphia’s biggest lineup need is in the outfield, and Arozarena is among the top available players at the position. The Seattle Mariners outfielder is coming off his second straight All-Star season and is expected to draw a sizable contract in a relatively weak free-agent class.

Arozarena’s projected deal is four years and $90 million. Seattle made him a qualifying offer, and if he declines it, a team that signs him would have to surrender draft picks and $1 million in international bonus pool money. For the Phillies, that would mean giving up their second- and fifth-highest picks.

The cost would come on top of the contract, but Arozarena would address Philadelphia’s need for an everyday right-handed hitter. He has recorded at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of the past six seasons, and led the major leagues with 113 runs scored this season.

His postseason record is another part of his appeal: he has a career .292 batting average, .380 on-base percentage and .565 slugging percentage in the playoffs. In 2020, his rookie postseason with Tampa Bay, he hit 10 home runs in 20 games and was named ALCS MVP.

There are concerns for Philadelphia, including his defense and age. Arozarena will be 32 when the 2027 season begins, and the Phillies do not have an open designated hitter spot to limit his time in the field. Still, the team is viewed as a contender in need of an outfield upgrade, and a deal below $25 million annually could prompt an aggressive pursuit.