The Seattle Mariners acquired Mark Trumbo in a trade last season, but the 29-year-old veteran’s stay in the Pacific Northwest could be brief.
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Report: Rockies Among Those Interested in Trumbo
Tuesday, Dec. 1
According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com, the M’s could tender Trumbo a contract prior to Wednesday’s deadline before trading him, with the Colorado Rockies emerging as one of the top suitors.
Trumbo is a versatile player capable of playing both corner outfield positions, first base and even some third base. His true value, however, lies in his power at the plate, as he has 131 home runs in 690 career games.
The former 18th-round draft pick hit at least 29 home runs in every season from 2011-2013 with the Los Angeles Angels, and he is coming off of a 22-homer campaign, 13 of which came after the Mariners picked him up in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Although Seattle didn’t make the playoffs, Trumbo provided them with some solid pop as he also hit .263 with 41 RBI in 96 games.
The Mariners are under new management with Jerry DiPoto assuming the GM spot, and per ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick, Trumbo doesn’t necessarily jive with what the former Angels general manager is trying to accomplish:
Any number of teams could use a right-handed power bat of Trumbo’s ilk, but the Rockies certainly make a ton of sense due to a number of factors.
They have an opening at first base, which may be the safest place to put Trumbo in the field. Also, while the Coors Field effect isn’t what it once was, Trumbo’s light-tower power should still play well in the thin air.
Safeco Field in Seattle tends to stifle power, so Colorado would undoubtedly be a better fit for him and the skill set he brings to the table.
Provided the Rockies are able to pry him away from the Mariners for a reasonable price, a middle of the order featuring Trumbo, Carlos Gonzalez and Nolan Arenado could finally make Colorado a factor in the NL West.
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