Angels Make Trumbo and Bourjos Available. Should The M’s Pursue?

Sep 8, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo hits a single against the Texas Rangers in the 4th inning during the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Trading for Mark Trumbo

As for Trumbo, it isn’t clear whether the Angels would be looking to trade both he and Bourjos, but I sure hope they are. At first, I wasn’t a big fan of Trumbo. I saw him as an overrated, power only guy. And while he does have serious pop while struggling in other parts of the game, he manages to create value nonetheless.

Trumbo owns a .250/.299/.472 line with 95 homers so far in his career, and has yet to post a WAR under 2 for a full season. While that isn’t mind-blowing, it is more than can be said for many of the current Mariners.

Last year was also an indication of him adding value in other ways than just hitting the poop out of the ball. Despite having his worst year at the plate (.747 OPS), he was able to post a career high 2.5 WAR according to Fangraphs, as he played very well at first base, and close to average in the outfield.

Now, Trumbo will no doubt need to pick his offensive production back up in the future, as defensive numbers can be sketchy at times. But I don’t doubt his ability to get his on base numbers up over the .300 mark, while also jacking 30+ big ones a season.

Plus, the Mariners desperately need a right handed bopper in the middle of the order and Trumbo fits that bill.

Add on to that the fact that he can play multiple positions at at least a passable level, and I think he is a no-brainer for the Mariners.

I have struggled to come up with a suitable package for Trumbo alone. I think James Paxton is a little too much, but what was proposed above for Bourjos was probably a little light. Maybe Edwin Diaz is replaced with Tyler Pike and it becomes fair.