masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgNATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – The Orioles have made Mark Trumbo a four-year offer as part of their contract negotiations with the free agent outfielder.
I’m hearing that Trumbo’s side initially sought $80 million after he led the majors with 47 home runs. However, there was flexibility to the point where discussions moved in the $70-$75 million range on a backloaded deal. Still too high.
This news indicates again that the Orioles are serious in their attempts to retain Trumbo, who’s on the market…

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – The Orioles have made Mark Trumbo a four-year offer as part of their contract negotiations with the free agent outfielder.

I’m hearing that Trumbo’s side initially sought $80 million after he led the majors with 47 home runs. However, there was flexibility to the point where discussions moved in the $70-$75 million range on a backloaded deal. Still too high.

mark-trumbo-white-bat.pngThis news indicates again that the Orioles are serious in their attempts to retain Trumbo, who’s on the market for the first time in his career. Executive vice president Dan Duquette confirmed yesterday that he’s had ongoing discussions with Trumbo’s camp for the past few weeks and that the Orioles made two offers.

There’s no reason to believe that talks have broken down, but there’s obviously much work to be done.

I’ve also heard that Trumbo was seeking a full no-trade clause early in negotiations and the Orioles weren’t comfortable with it. The clause ranks up there with opt-outs on their list of potential deal-breakers.

The Orioles acquired Trumbo from the Mariners for catcher Steve Clevenger, also a free agent, on Dec. 2, 2015. Trumbo batted .256/.316/.533 with 27 doubles, 47 home runs and 108 RBIs in 159 games and made his second All-Star team. He also won his first Silver Slugger Award and received two Comeback Player of the Year awards.

Trumbo avoided arbitration last winter by agreeing to a $9.15 million deal. He turns 31 in January.

Determined to improve their outfield defense, the Orioles would want Trumbo to serve as their primary designated hitter while also being able to back up at first base and the outfield corners. Along with his tremendous power, they also value his quiet clubhouse leadership.

The Rockies have serious interest in Trumbo, according to multiple reports, and the Red Sox may come into play as they attempt to replace David Ortiz. Industry folks are trying to gauge Trumbo’s market, including which teams view him as a DH, first baseman or outfielder. And how many teams actually represent legitimate landing spots.

The Orioles don’t figure to make a run at any other free agents in Trumbo’s price range, though everything is subject to change.

Update: ESPN’s Buster Olney is reporting that the Orioles discussed a four-year deal with Trumbo in the $52-$55 million range. The rest of his tweet confirmed what I wrote, including Trumbo’s figures and the full no-trade clause.