The MLB hot stove season is going strong, and speculation is heating up across baseball. Here is what our writers are hearing today:
MLB Free Agent Tracker | Rumors
Several rival execs said they expect #Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto to trade Mark Trumbo this winter. Another bat on the market.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 24, 2015
Trumbo is expected to make about $9M in 2016. Huge power, but not a great fit in Dipoto's revamp of #Mariners roster.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 24, 2015
Crasnick's take: New Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto has been aggressive in his efforts to reshape Seattle's roster, and several MLB executives think first baseman-outfielder Mark Trumbo could be the next to go. Trumbo, who earned $6.9 million in 2015, is in line for a bump to $9 million or thereabouts next season, and he doesn't appear to fit Dipoto's mission to make the Mariners a more athletic, defense-oriented team. Dipoto already traded Trumbo once, as part of a three-way deal involving the Angels, Diamondbacks and White Sox in December 2013.
One big question, if the Mariners move Trumbo, revolves around who'll play first base in Seattle in 2016. The Mariners already sent incumbent first baseman Logan Morrison to Tampa Bay three weeks ago, leaving Trumbo atop the depth chart at first and in the mix at designated hitter. But Dipoto has already shown his ability to think creatively and explore all options. Trumbo's trade value is hindered by his .300 career on-base percentage, high strikeout totals and lack of defensive value (he has a career defensive WAR of minus-4.4, according to Baseball-Reference). But his power could appeal to teams in need of an offensive boost. Baltimore and Cleveland are among the American League clubs with lineup holes that might be tempted to inquire about Trumbo.