Mariners Survive While Randy Arozarena Searches for His October Spark
Randy Arozarena is building a postseason legacy that rivals Reggie Jackson’s Mr. October legend — and the Mariners are counting on his October magic to power another deep playoff run.
Editor’s Note: This morning, we welcome guest writer Adam Jacobson from .
If you ask most baseball fans to name the greatest postseason hitter in history, one name comes up almost immediately: Reggie Jackson. He’s literally known as Mr. October for his iconic playoff performances with the Yankees and Athletics, capped by his three-homer game in the 1977 World Series.
But in recent years, another player has started building a postseason résumé that rivals even Jackson’s. A player who has thrived when the pressure is highest and the lights are brightest: Randy Arozarena.
However, after splitting two games at home in the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers, the Mariners’ postseason star has been quiet. Batting just 1-for-8 with a stolen base and a run, Arozarena hasn’t yet been the spark many fans were hoping for. Games 3 and 4 in Detroit are where Seattle will need Randy to find that extra gear, the one that has made him one of the most feared hitters in October.
In Game 2, despite Randy’s quiet performance, Jorge Polanco stole the show with two home runs, while Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez delivered clutch back-to-back doubles to give the Mariners a late lead. The pitching staff, led by Luis Castillo, was outstanding, with Castillo not allowing a hit until his final pitch in the fifth inning.
Randy Arozarena’s October Breakthrough
The legend of Arozarena began in the fall of 2020, in a season played without fans during the pandemic. The atmosphere may have been quieter, but Randy made it unforgettable.
In 20 postseason games that year, he hit 10 home runs and batted .377/.442/.831. He carried the Tampa Bay Rays to the World Series, earned ALCS MVP honors, and instantly became a postseason star.
Arozarena has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous playoff hitters in the game. His career postseason line before this year:
.354 AVG
1.128 OPS
11 HR in 33 games
That is not just impressive, it is historically elite. In fact, among players with at least 100 career postseason plate appearances, only Babe Ruth (1.214 OPS) and Lou Gehrig (1.214 OPS) have a higher OPS. That puts Arozarena in the same conversation as the all-time legends, while his performance in the modern era under high-pressure conditions arguably makes him the most dangerous playoff hitter of his generation.
Reggie Jackson vs. Randy Arozarena
So how does Arozarena compare to Mr. October himself? Reggie Jackson has all the awards and has more than double the playoff experience, albeit Randy Arozarena has had some of the best numbers in the history of the game. In only 113 ABs (prior to this postseason), Randy Arozarena has 11 home runs (10% of his ABs).
Reggie Jackson (career postseason):
77 games, 18 HR, .278 AVG, .885 OPS
5 World Series titles
2 World Series MVPs
Randy Arozarena (through 2023 postseason):
33 games, 11 HR, .354 AVG, 1.128 OPS
1 AL pennant
1 ALCS MVP
The comparison is not exact. Reggie has the hardware and the longevity. However, the rate stats tell a different story. Randy has out-hit Reggie across nearly every category on a per-game basis.
Jackson hit a home run once every 4.2 postseason games.
Arozarena hits one every 3.0 games.
Jackson’s postseason OPS is .885.
Arozarena’s is 1.128.
If you dropped Randy’s October production into the 1977 Yankees lineup, he would fit right in and might even outshine Reggie himself.
More Than Just October
What makes Arozarena even more fascinating is that his postseason dominance is matched by steady regular-season excellence.
Since his official rookie year in 2021, he has become the only player in MLB history to open his career with five straight 20 home run and 20 stolen base seasons. Not even Mike Trout, Barry Bonds, or Alex Rodriguez did that. J-Rod will likely accomplish this next season.
2021: 20 HR, 20 SB (Rookie of the Year)
2022: 20 HR, 32 SB
2023: 23 HR, 22 SB
2024: 21 HR, 21 SB
2025: 27 HR, 30 SB
He is also a multiple-time All-Star, a Home Run Derby finalist, and a star for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.
In other words, Randy is not only a playoff specialist. He has been one of baseball’s most reliable power/speed players since the day he arrived, and he might just be building one of the quietest Hall of Fame careers since Edgar Martinez.
Why Randy Feels Different
Part of the reason Arozarena does not always get the same spotlight as Reggie Jackson is timing.
Reggie’s prime came during the Yankees dynasty years, and his heroics unfolded on the most visible stage in sports. Randy has been doing it with the Rays, a small-market team that does not receive the same national attention.
But make no mistake. Arozarena is every bit as clutch, as entertaining, and as ready for big moments as any player in baseball today. The cowboy boots, the smile, the stolen home plate, the knack for delivering when it matters most all add to the legend.
The Verdict: Arozarena, The New Mr. October?
No, Randy Arozarena is not the New Mr. October. He is the King of October, and the Mariners are lucky to have his experience and playoff success. With the best postseason player since WWII on their roster, it’s no wonder FanGraphs lists the Mariners as one of the favorites to win it all. And it’s not just Cal Raleigh and Julio. The Mariners have an abundance of young talent who will be World Series contenders for years to come. Randy might just wake up in Detroit.
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