Mark Trumbo & Peter Bourjos Are Available, Does That Matter?

Mark Trumbo (Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports)

The Astros already went after Jose Abreu, so we know they are looking for some more power. The trade market might be the best way to add a legitimate home run and RBI threat. Currently, the Astros have a lot of 6-8 hitters and some top of the order hitters, but not those one or two players that can be counted on as a run producer in the middle of the order.

Mark Trumbo might be that guy. Buster Olney is reporting that the Angels would be willing to potentially deal Trumbo (along with outfielder Peter Bourjos) for some pitching help.

This is something the Astros need to explore. Of course like every potential trade, it all hinges on the cost in prospects to the Astros. Bourjos is very similar to players Houston already has, but Trumbo could be a difference maker.

Trumbo just completed his third full season in the majors hitting .234 with 34 home runs and 100 RBI’s for a struggling Angels team. The batting average was a career low (.254 and .268 respectively) while his power production was a career high (29/87 and 32/95 respectively).

While the batting average struggles are of some concern, I believe going forward you can’t expect Trumbo to hit more than about .250. When his average spiked last season, it was attributable to a spike in BABIP (.316, compared to .274 and .273 in his other two seasons).

The 27-year old will likely strikeout at least a quarter of the time, but it has not appeared to negatively impact him in the past. Trumbo’s power production is backed up by his other advanced statistics, so I think we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from him going forward. Defensively, Trumbo can play both corner outfield positions as well as first base.

I think the cost could potentially be a little steep here, but the Astros are dealing from a position of strength. Aside from Mark Appel and Jarred Cosart, I am thinking that every other Houston pitcher should be on the table. But giving up more than one upper tier pitching prospect (Lance McCullers, Mike Foltynewicz, Asher Wojciechowski) should be off the table. And depending on the other pieces in the trade, they might prove to be too cost prohibitive. If at all possible, it would be nice to avoid moving those three pitchers, but at some point that will become a reality as all of them cannot fit in the future rotation. I do though, think that Trumbo would be a worthy addition.

What does everyone else think?