Randy Arozarena is quietly having the most consistent season of his career. The Cuban outfielder is slashing .286/.380/.458/.838 with 11 homeruns, 45 runs batted in and 19 stolen bases. Arozarena is half way to his sixth straight 20-20 season on the grand stage.
After an immaculate first half of the season the native of Pinar del Río, Cuba was selected to his third All-Star Game and his second consecutive appearance in the mid-summer classic. Expect the speedy Cuban to be a key piece for Seattle in the second half of the season.
Could this finally be the season that Arozarena returns to Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico? Arozarena made his second appearance this year with México in the World Baseball Classic this season and feel at home in that nation and seems to have planted there as well.
You’ve stood out in virtually every offensive category this year. Do you consider this the most complete offensive season of your career?
I think so. Up to this point, it’s been the most consistent season I’ve had in my entire career. That consistency has been the biggest difference. I’m really happy with what I’ve been doing and what I’ve accomplished. The best part is that I’ve been able to contribute to the team, help us win games, and make an impact.
You have fewer home runs this year, but your batting average has gone up. How have you managed to find that balance?
Because I’ve focused less on trying to hit home runs. Before, I used to take big swings at almost every pitch, always looking to go deep. This year, I’ve stopped swinging so aggressively. Instead, I’ve focused on putting the ball in play, making solid contact, and using the entire field.
Seattle isn’t considered a hitter-friendly ballpark. What adjustments have you made to succeed there?
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve made any specific adjustments. I always try to prepare as well as I can so things go well once I get on the field. The biggest change this year has been my mindset. I’ve focused much more on making contact instead of just trying to pull the ball or swing for home runs on every pitch.
Will this be the season Randy Arozarena returns to play winter baseball?
No, not this season.
You played for Mexico in the last two World Baseball Classics. If, by some miracle, things were resolved in Cuba, would you like to play for Cuba in a future World Baseball Classic?
Well, growing up, every kid dreams of playing for the country where they were born. Mexico gave me the opportunity and opened that door for me. But I don’t think I would play for Cuba anymore—I would instead play for Mexico.