Randy Arozarena either really respects Shohei Ohtani or perhaps he could be the next star Hollywood-bound.
The Rays superstar outfielder posted two photos featuring him and the Dodgers’ new $700 million man from the 2023 World Baseball Classic on his Instagram account Tuesday.
Now, perhaps Arozarena simply was paying respect to the reigning AL MVP.
The caption for the photo just had the logos for the Japan and Mexico flags, and the two photos each featured them wearing their WBC jerseys this past March.
The first photo showcased the two posing for the camera with their arms crossed, while the second photo showcased the pair shaking hands.
But Arozarena certainly knows this is also hot stove season and a photo with a player on an opposing team is likely to spark rumors.
And it’s not crazy to think the penny-pinching Rays and the all-in Dodgers could be attempting to cook up a trade to land Arozarena to help Los Angeles in its quest to win the World Series.
The MLB Nerds account on X reported Tuesday night that the Dodgers are close to acquiring starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot.
The Dodgers attempting to land Glasnow certainly would make sense since the Dodgers have a pitching deficiency and Ohtani will not pitch this upcoming season.
It would make sense if Arozarena came up in a potential trade discussion, although he certainly would cost a ton since he has three more years before he reaches free agency.
However, the Rays are known to be a forward-thinking franchise and sometimes make puzzling moves that usually turn out too well for them.
Acquiring Margot, though, would not require elite prospects from the Dodgers.
Arozarena, 28, made his first All-Star team this past season, slashing .254/.364/.425 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs to guide the Rays to the postseason.
Tampa Bay has been relatively quiet this offseason, making a minor trade with the Marlins and signing reliever Chris Devenski.
Read more
