MLB Trade Rumors: Rays, Mariners Have Discussed Isaac Paredes, Randy Arozarena Deals

With the stove starting to heat up in Nashville amid the start of the MLB Winter Meetings, it appears that the Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays may be a couple of the biggest players over the next few days.

The two sides have already begun talking about a possible deal for Rays' infielder Issac Paredes. It also appears that All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena is available and that his name has come up in trade talks, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Morosi reported earlier Sunday that Paredes was a name to watch as he is arbitration-eligible and that both Seattle and the Toronto Blue Jays appeared to be interested in the 24-year-old.

It's not hard to see why Paredes has become of interest to teams that are on the precipice of title-contention. He could be a nice building-block to either of those squads—each of which have young, talented lineups.

Paredes hit .250 in 2023 with 31 homers in 2023.

As for Arozarena, he's coming off one of the best calendar years of his career, making his first All-Star game after having an incredible run in the World Baseball Classic with Mexico.

Several teams have contacted Tampa Bay regarding the 28-year-old as he's projected to earn $9 million in 2024, nearing the point where the Rays typically trade their best players before they get too expensive.

The organization currently has $125 million on the books and is looking to cut down on that to get its payroll closer to a number it is comfortable with, per CBS Sports' Mike Axisa and R.J. Anderson.

The franchise record for payroll is $84 million set in 2022.

Arozarena could help bring in a big trade haul while cutting down on that payroll.