Mark Trumbo has passed his physical and the Orioles again have one of the most powerful lineups in the American League.
The 31-year-old Trumbo, who led the majors with 47 homers last season, returns on a three-year deal worth $37.5 million.
He’ll join a nucleus that made the playoffs last season, and is basically intact through 2018. Trumbo, first baseman Chris Davis and second baseman Jonathan Schoop are the Orioles’ only starting position players that are currently signed for 2019.
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Trumbo likely will play various positions next season. The club would like for him to be the primary DH as well as filling in for Davis at first and also playing some right field, where he was the primary starter last year.
The Orioles were hoping to upgrade their outfield defense for 2017, and haven’t yet accomplished that this offseason.
Bringing back Trumbo was a priority, however, and like re-signing Davis last year, it took time but eventually the Orioles orchestrated a deal.
And it appears to be an excellent financial agreement for a player with prodigious power that just turned 31 this week. Trumbo’s reputation as a limited defender, a market heavy with power hitters and the concept of losing a top draft pick if another team signed him apparently lowered Trumbo’s value as a free agent.
Still, he received a raise from his $9.15 million salary last year and has a sense of security for the next three seasons. The Orioles are his fourth team since 2013, and Trumbo said several times in 2016 that he was hoping to return to Baltimore and be part of the same club for several years.
To make room for Trumbo on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated outfielder Adam Walker for assignment. The club had claimed Walker off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers in December.
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