While outfielder/designated hitter Mark Trumbo's representatives are pushing for a four-year, $80 million deal, they have shown the Baltimore Orioles a willingness to move into the $70-75 million range on a back-loaded deal, according to MASN's Roch Kubatko. Call it a hometown discount. Yeah, that sounds right.
The fact the Orioles have made Trumbo an offer near $70 million is really quite amazing -- not so much for what it would mean to have the Orioles actually re-sign Trumbo, but rather what it means with regards to the team's potential payroll.
In November, I wrote that 19 players appeared to be a sure bet to make the Orioles' 2017 roster (now 21 with the decision to tender utility man Ryan Flaherty and left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland Dec. 2), and that, with six open spots on the 25-man roster, they were already at around $145 million for the 2017 club payroll. I also wrote those last four-to-six players may determine if the club could reasonably hope to contend in the tough American League East.
