The Los Angeles Angels might be willing to make bold statements this offseason. Mark Trumbo hits the trade rumor mill as the Angels are reportedly willing to shop the power hitter for some reliable pitching. Would that be a wise move or are the Angels getting a little too ahead of themselves?
Trumbo quickly ascended to the ranks of one of baseball's best young power hitters. He has hit bombs since becoming an everyday player in 2011 with the Angels, smacking a total of 95 home runs in his first three seasons. He has even participated in the home run derby.
Now, after seeing how much value the 27-year-old has, they are willing to move him for an experienced arm. The Angels were expected to compete in 2013, but they were nowhere near the top of the standings at the conclusion of the season. They have poured millions of dollars into their roster and they have yet to see their investments pay dividends. In 2014, the Angels' payroll will remain over $120 million, but their pitching does not look potent enough to take them into the postseason.
They finished 2013 with a 78-84 record, which is beyond mediocre for a team with Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton in the middle of the lineup. Actually, Hamilton was just a name in 2013 as the outfielder produced virtually nothing for the Angels this season. While, as a team, the Angels hit the 12th most home runs, totaling 164 this past season and finishing fifth with a .264 batting average, their pitching was horrendous.
In 2013, Angels' starting pitching went 58-57 with a 4.30 ERA. The ERA was the ninth worst in baseball and their 116 home runs allowed was ninth worst in the league. Furthermore, opponents' .271 batting average against the Angels' starting pitching was fifth worst in baseball.
As a result, the Angels are willing to move Trumbo's bat, who produced 34 home runs, 100 RBI with a .234 batting average in 2013. Plenty of teams are willing to get a power hitter into their lineup, especially at a bargain since Trumbo is under team control and eligible for arbitration this season. Trumbo should cost less than $5 million in 2014 and will be under team control until 2016 when he becomes a free agent.
The Angels have a history of trades with the Atlanta Braves and they could sure use a productive corner outfielder though they are tied up with B.J. Upton at the moment. However, Atlanta loves their young pitching and parting ways with a guy like Julio Teheran would not be an option. The St. Louis Cardinals need a home run threat in their lineup and with Carlos Beltran hitting free agency, Joe Kelly looks like trade bait as the youngster has performed well in the 2013 postseason.
As more news and rumors develop in relation to a Mark Trumbo trade, we will update you with all the info and trade possibilities.
