MLB free agency rumors: Colorado Rockies reportedly interested in Mark Trumbo

The Colorado Rockies are rumored to have “continued interest” in free agent Mark Trumbo. According to Jon Morosi’s sources the Rockies may be looking to fill their first base hole with Trumbo, who hit a league-leading 47 home runs for the Baltimore Orioles last season. Morosi also says that the upcoming winter meetings will be an important time for Trumbo to establish his value and market. That market may determine if the Rockies are a legitimate candidate to sign him.

Trumbo played for the Angels, Diamondbacks, and Mariners in his career before being traded to Baltimore last offseason. In Baltimore he enjoyed one of the best offensive years of his career. Along with the impressive home run count, Trumbo slashed .256/.316/.533, good for a 120 OPS+. His overall value was hurt by the Orioles having to play him mainly in the outfield where he is not a good defender. However, Trumbo has historically been a solid first baseman when given the opportunity to play there, which he would for the Rockies.

While there is a lot to like about Trumbo playing first base for the Rockies, there is one major downside and that is the price. Last year was one of the best years of his career and will likely be difficult to repeat as he is now on the wrong side of 30. While Trumbo’s career OPS+ of 112 would still be a large upgrade over what the Rockies got from their first baseman last year, his price tag could reflect his peak year instead of his expected future production.

Trumbo also rejected a qualifying offer from the Orioles which means the Rockies would forfeit their first round pick (11th overall) in the 2017 draft. Combined with the expected large financial commitment to a player over 30 years of age and Trumbo becomes a very expensive signing for the Rockies.

Purple Row will have more on Trumbo and the rest of the Rockies free agent rumors as the winter meetings begin on Monday.