In 2023 Randy Arozarena’s name appeared everywhere, both from a strictly sporting perspective and for issues beyond the playing fields. His name was heard both in the All Star Game and the Home Run Derby and in a song by the popular urban singer Bad Bunny, just to name two examples.
However, his 2023 season can be split into two. A first part where it took off and a second where it lost steam. Well, in the first 80 games Arozarena left a line of .288/.401/.484 (AVG/OBP/SLG) with 15 home runs. While in his last 71 games his numbers dropped to .218/.323/.361 with eight homers. However, it was enough for him to record his third consecutive 20-20 season (at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases).
📻 Randy Arozarena está listo para “MLB The Show” 🎮@MLB_Mexico | @raysbeisbol pic.twitter.com/85RrNmV8G9
— LasMayores (@LasMayores) February 18, 2024
Many attribute his decline to his participation in the “Home Run Derby” where he ended up being the 2023 runner-up to Vladimir Guerrero Jr, although the Cuban was the one who hit more longballs overall in the competition. But beyond that, Arozarena himself blames his slump last year on the fact that he lost weight and felt fatigued down the stretch. To try to solve that dilema in 2024, his goal was to try to be stronger. An issue that has been dually noted in this Spring Training.
The native of Pinar del Río,Cuba shows an easily noticeable physical change that makes him the center of questions from journalists. In an interview with Las Mayores.com Arozarena explained: “My main focus during the offseason was to get stronger. I feel like last year, in the second half, I lost some weight at the end. Strength training was part of my main focus to come to camp ready this year.”
#Rays Randy Arozarena on the first day of live BP, facing Trevor Brigden pic.twitter.com/KlSsiYbbBc
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 20, 2024
Regarding the Cuban’s better physical condition, his manager Kevin Cash also expressed: “I am really impressed with Randy. He looks strong, and he is strong. He’s always been strong, but that’s a lot of hard work in the gym. “I’m happy the motivation was there for him to push himself in the offseason.” In the aforementioned interview there was also space for Arozarena to refer to the impact that his name has had on the game.
About which he replied: “I think they saw what I am capable of doing and how much I enjoyed doing it. All I want to do was be successful in the Major Leagues. That is the ultimate goal. I didn’t plan any of this. I wasn’t expecting any of this. It’s still something new to me as it develops. But no, I just want to support my team in the best way possible.”