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The Yankees Offseason If I Was in Charge

By Brendan Smith

Aug 1, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman speaks to reporters after the trade deadline prior to a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman speaks to reporters after the trade deadline prior to a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Mark Trumbo (45) hits a two run home run during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League wild card playoff baseball game at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Mark Trumbo (45) hits a two run home run during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League wild card playoff baseball game at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Don’t Fall into the Mark Trumbo Trap

Mark Trumbo lead the American League in homeruns this season with 47. The Yankees need to add power to their lineup. Seems like the perfect fit right? Wrong.

While a good match on paper, Trumbo would not help the Yankees enough to warrant the type of contract he will get. In a weak free-agent class, Trumbo stands alone with Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista as the best power hitters available. The problem with Trumbo is that he strikes out. A lot. Like, 170 times in 667 at-bats this year. 33% of his outs came via the strikeout.

The Yankees did not strike out a lot this year, ranking fourth-lowest in the AL in team strikeouts. But, with Aaron Judge likely starting in right field, that strikeout number is bound to go up. Not only does he strike out a ton, but Trumbo also does not have a position to play. He does not move well, which means the outfield is not an option, and he isn’t overly impressive at first base, and is unlikely to unseat Greg Bird or Tyler Austin.

Coming off a career year, Trumbo is likely to garner anywhere between $15-$25 million on the open market. For me, that is just way too much to pay for a DH over 30.

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