Tampa Bay Rays: October remains Randy Arozarena time
Randy Arozarena broke out during the Tampa Bay Rays run to the World Series in 2020. The rookie outfielder emerged as a superstar, setting rookie records for home runs and hits over the course of the postseason. It was fair to say that, at times, he was the entirety of the Rays offense, the only reason why the team was able to get so far.
Needless to say, Arozarena had high expectations for the 2021 campaign. While he performed well, with a 131 OPS+ in his 604 plate appearances while hitting 20 homers and 32 doubles. He also stole 20 bases, but somehow, his 2021 showing seemed to be almost a disappointment.
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena turns it back on in October
It seems that he just needed the postseason to begin again to become a superstar. He was a seemingly unstoppable force on Thursday, hitting a homer and drawing two walks while scoring three runs. Most impressively, Arozarena successfully pulled off a straight steal of home, becoming the first person in the history of the MLB postseason to homer and steal home in the same game.
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That is not the only historical aspect from Arozarena’s steal of home. Jackie Robinson was the last player to pull off a successful straight steal of home in the playoffs, although Yogi Berra may argue that point.
But this is what Arozarena does. Once the bright lights are shining, he is able to bring his game up to another level. He has 30 hits in 95 plate appearances, hitting 11 homers and drawing ten walks. He has posted an unreal 1.261 OPS in that time, showing that he belongs amongst the greatest players in postseason history.
As the Rays are hoping to make up from falling short in the World Series, they will need Arozarena to continue to be this player. Yes, they improved the lineup and are in a better position than they were last season, but Arozarena will be the player that continues to conduct the train.
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Randy Arozarena was made for October. The Tampa Bay Rays outfielder showed why again on Thursday as he took center stage.