The Rockies are showing interest in free agent outfielder/first baseman Mark Trumbo, reports MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, who adds that there will be further “clarity” on his market during next week’s winter meetings (Twitter link).
Trumbo spent the majority of 2016 as a right fielder with the Orioles, and the Rockies already have at least two starting-caliber corner options in Carlos Gonzalez and David Dahl. On the other hand, Colorado has a gaping hole at first base, with its 2016 contributors having combined for the majors’ fourth-lowest fWAR (minus-1.3). Three of those players – Mark Reynolds, Stephen Cardullo and Ben Paulsen – are now free agents, while penciled-in starter Gerardo Parra is normally an outfielder and is coming off a miserable season. After hitting an unsightly .253/.271/.399 with a paltry nine walks in 381 plate appearances, the Rockies would be hard-pressed to count on Parra as an everyday solution anywhere.
Unlike Parra, Trumbo thrived at times this past season. The former Angel, Diamondback and Mariner slashed .256/.316/.533 with a major league-best 47 home runs in 667 trips to the plate in his first (and only?) year with the O’s. Trumbo faded in the second half of the season, however, with a .214/.284/.470 line in 292 post-All-Star break PAs. His game also comes with baserunning and defensive limitations, but he’s certainly a better fit as an everyday first baseman than a regular outfielder, as he admitted to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com last winter.
While Trumbo’s power and offense-friendly Coors Field would likely serve as an enticing mix, Colorado would have to surrender quite a bit to secure the soon-to-be 31-year-old. With Trumbo having rejected a qualifying offer from the Orioles, it would cost the Rockies a first-round pick – the 11th overall selection in the 2017 draft – to sign him. Both that and his next contract (MLBTR projects a four-year, $60MM deal) would combine for a steep price for the Rockies, who are set to spend a franchise-record amount next season.
70 home runs
79 homers haha
And 250 strikeouts trying to hit that many.
As I reported a few minutes ago in select Rockies and Trumbo rumors, the Rockies are making a strung push for the 2016 HR king.
First I type string. Then I type strung. I meant to say strong. Sorry guys
Some reporter you are, can’t even edit your own BS trolling posts.
Who said I had to have good grammar?
Most if not all real reporters have good grammar.
Just saying – don’t want to start a fight – check Twitter. I’ve honestly seen things on Twitter and posted to things like Instagram and this site and have been told that it wasn’t true. Turns out it’s all because I couldn’t make sense of the reporter. I must admit, though – they are in a rush to get their story out first, so I can’t complain. If I miss one letter, I’m sorry that if ruined everyone’s day. And if it ruined everyone’s day, I’m sorry you have no life.
Please stop. Seriously. We’re just baseball fans and this is a light-hearted message board. You obviously aren’t a reporter (real reporters would use, you know, their real names). It’s just sort of absurd what you’re doing here.
Depends on what your description of reporter is. Of course I’m no Ken Rosenthal, Bob Nightengale, or Jon Herman.
Ugh autocorrect. This is why I should use a computer not a phone. I meant Heyman.
Journalistic integrity would require you use your name if you are a “reporter,” even just an Internet reporter.
It would make more sense to sign the Other HR King, Chris Carter. No draft pick required and similar numbers. It will probably be a shorter contract, so less risk as well. Whoever signs Trumbo long term will be making a mistake that will contribute to their eventual firing.
This would be insane if I’m Mark Trumbo I’d take any offer the Rockies give me in a heartbeat!
The funny thing is that Trumbo would take offer from Rockies in heartbeat, and Rockies would do anything to get Trumbo.
unless his goal is a championship
True. Could be $$$
If the Angels don’t bring him back, I wouldn’t mind him with the Rockies
Where’s he going to play for the Angels?
First base and then package Cron to get pitching or a second baseman
No way. Hoping that was a joke.
Cron is a 250 hitter with average power. And is below average glove. But being team control, he would be enticing to teams looking for a dh or first baseman for some teams.
I’d disagree. He’s shown strides at the plate. He’s shown the ability to hit in the 270’s and I believe he has 30 HR power with a 20 HR swing in a good season. He’s a flawed hitter but he’s adjusting and will get better
@PickMe123: Typical Angel fan. “Just sign him”! Then after signing him typical Angel fan has no clue on what to do next….. If the Angels don’t sign him LOLZZZZZ
I hate the Angels. Go Red Sox.
Cron’s numbers were better than Pujols’ last year.
Why not just sign Chris Carter for way cheaper?
Because Trumbo is better
But he also cost a draft pick.
Rockies have the top unprotected draft pick. I think it’s unlikely they sign a QO free agent.
Would be weird to see Trumbo in. Rockies uniform
Yeah.
Why?
I really don’t know. Just is. I picture him in the AL, I guess.
Sure it would be a steep price, but the Rockies offense would be unbelievable.
They should do it.
The Rockies have a chance to be very good this year, sign Trumbo to play OF, trade Blackmon for a starting pitcher, sign Carter and another starter. go get another catcher with some pop , like a saltalamacchia type
wellington castillo? get the idea of trading for pitching but blackmon seems to make the offense go.
Trumbo at Coors field playing the outfield would be a huge liability. Trumbo is a natural first baseman.
More like natural DH.
Trumbo would play 1B.
Definitely 1B
They should sign Carter instead and protect their pick
This is just Trumbo’s agent freaking out because there isn’t any interest in his services. There’s no way the Rockies are going to give up the highest unprotected pick for a less than 2 win player, unless he’s all but free. Numbers don’t add up otherwise and there are plenty of other 1B on the market.
His homer total would probably go down at Coors, 82 games at Coors +10 at Chase vs 82 Games at Camden +30 more at Yankee Stadium, Fenway and Rogers also Coors is more of a doubles park now. Then factor in NL west pitching vs AL East pitching. Trumbo seems to be much more a product of the AL East than say Nelson Cruz was, Cruz had more of a track record before the AL East too, I see a steep decline for Trumbo any where not in the AL East.
Wait, what? No way! Trumbo has good numbers at Coors Field, albeit limited.
Plus, he raked for the Angels for a few years.
No, I think he will do fine if the Rockies sign him
He was mediocre in Arizona he also wouldnt be facing Colorado pitching. Doing well as a visitor means nothing.
If it was just money it would be fine, but price too high since it would cost their pick too.
This would be quite a sight to see, backed. Get it done, Denver.
The Colorado Rockies are a disgrace. There owner is cheap. I get the fact that Coors Field is the worst park for pitchers, but they need to go out and make a trade for a legitimate number 1 starter.
Right, because trading for a legit #1 is something that can be done while you stroll down to get your morning paper.
There’s only so few #1’s going around, even less available in trades, and even less for a team to get him due to competition. Minus those with NTC’s as well.
Maybe you’re right, logically a number 2 starter is more realistic. They just need to make a trade, they could afford to give up a good hitter and a few prospects.
They would be insanely good if there pitchers can pitch past the third inning. They don’t need Trumbo.
They have the #11 pick, it would be foolish to sign Trumbo or any QO FA