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 /

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Oct 15, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) at bat against the Cleveland Indians during the second inning of game two of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays have already filled their DH slot for the next three years by signing Kendrys Morales. The signing of Morales should signal the end of the road for at least one of the team’s major free agents. Bautista is less likely to be re-signed, as playing him in right field as he approaches age 40 will only hasten his offensive demise.

The group leading the front office in Toronto avoided risky signing since taking over. David Price was let go last winter with little effort to make a competitive offer. Two straight trips to the ALCS has made it cool to be a baseball fan in Toronto again, but that newfound fanbase may turn quickly if Bautista and Encarnacion are replaced with low-cost value plays. Trumbo would come with some downside risk for the Blue Jays, but he should be covered in right field by having Kevin Pillar to his right in center field.

Losing Encarnacion and Bautista would be a huge blow to the Blue Jays, and Morales alone does not come close to filling that void. There is money to be spent in Toronto after two straight seasons of increased attendance, but the front office may have to be willing to take a gamble on a player like Mark Trumbo.

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