Mark Trumbo posted an MLB-high 47 home runs in 2016 as a member of the Orioles, shattering his previous career high of 34. Now a free agent, it would appear Trumbo and his agents are swinging for the fences again:
Have heard #orioles made 4-year offer to OF Mark Trumbo. His side looking for $80 mil. But showed flexibility to $70-$75 mil backloaded.
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) December 5, 2016
There's nothing wrong with asking for a high number and then negotiating, but that's a very high asking price.
Though his one dimension is outstanding, Trumbo is one-dimensional. He hit .256 with a .316 on-base percentage last season and his career marks are .251 and .303, respectively. He's not a very good base runner, he doesn't walk much, he strikes out a lot and he's a poor defender, notably in the outfield where he's awful.
Further, the Orioles already have an all-power DH type in Chris Davis, who is making $23 million per season through 2022.
On the flip-side, those bombs are fun and Trumbo's bat in an order does change the complexion. Plus, the Orioles aren't bogged down by long-term deals. Only Davis and Darren O'Day are on the books past 2018, so this is obviously where the back-loaded deal talk comes in.
Trumbo will be 31 next season.
