Trumbo Returns to Baltimore

The Orioles' winning last season was based off of big time home run power, and right at the center of that was MLB home run leader Mark Trumbo. Now, he's headed back to Baltimore for three years and $37 million. It is unclear where he'll play positionally, but he does have experience in the outfield corners as well as first base. Another option could be DH, where Pedro Alvarez hit last year. It is no secret that Trumbo's poor outfield defense hurt the Orioles last season, but as MLB.com writer Mike Petriello pointed out, he's not half bad at first base, and could provide significantly more value there. With the hole at DH (Chris Davis and Trey Mancini are slated to split time at first base and DH), it makes the most sense to put him there. Offensively, Trumbo had a huge season in 2016, batting .256 with 47 home runs and 27 doubles over 159 games. Much of that may be due to Camden Yards' home run-friendly dimensions, as he hit 25 home runs in 291 at bats there versus 22 in 322 at bats elsewhere. He also had a very interesting second half, clubbing 19 home runs but batting just .209 in his final 70 games. It will be interesting to see how the streaky Trumbo rebounds in 2017 and beyond. For his career, the Southern California native has 178 home runs, 145 doubles, and a .251 average over 849 games.