MLB free agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Mark Trumbo

Sep 23, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Mark Trumbo (45) rounds the bases after hitting the game winning home run in the twelfth inning to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 5

Apr 12, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Mark Trumbo (45) and third baseman Manny Machado (left) celebrate after scoring runs against the Boston Red Sox with designated hitter Pedro Alvarez (24) during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox probably have their sights set higher than Trumbo. He should be viewed as a fall-back option if Boston is unable to land Encarnacion or Bautista to DH for them after the retirement of David Ortiz. Trumbo would slate in as a full-time DH with the Red Sox.

Fenway Park, with its short porch in left field, would appear to be a good fit for Trumbo. He hit three home runs there in only nine games in 2016. Signing with the Red Sox would allow Trumbo to continue playing the bulk of his games in the AL East. He hit 32 of his 47 bombs in AL East stadiums last season.

For the Orioles, Trumbo is forced to bat in the middle of the lineup, something he is not entirely suited to do. In Boston, he would likely bat in the lower third of the order, where his home runs would continue to be extremely valuable. Down in the seven-through-nine spots, Trumbo’s strikeouts and pop ups would not kill so many rallies. Combined with 81 games in Fenway Park and less pressure, Trumbo may continue cranking out 40-homer seasons. It is a good fit on paper but will depend on the rest of the free-agent class.

Home/MLB Free Agency