Royals Should Avoid Mark Trumbo

August 20, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo (44) reacts after striking out in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Royals have stated that they are hoping to come out of the Winter Meetings with an impact bat. Aside from second base, the lack of a true power hitter may be the biggest hole in their lineup at this point. With the meetings picking up, some players that could theoretically fit that role could become available.

One of those players that has been put on the block has been the Los Angeles Angels Mark Trumbo. Trumbo would seemingly fit the type of player that the Royals would be interested in, averaging over thirty home runs over the past three seasons. He is also under team control until 2017, possibly providing the Royals with an asset they could look to secure.

However, that power and ability to be retained until 2017 are about the only positives that Trumbo would provide for the Royals. He has been below average at first base, and terrible as a corner outfielder. On the field, Trumbo’s best position would be as a designated hitter. With the Royals, he would seemingly be blocked at every position in the field. Trumbo is not going to take the place of Alex Gordon or Eric Hosmer, and the Royals have better outfield options in right than what Trumbo could be. There would also be no point in bringing Trumbo in to be the designated hitter as Billy Butler is a far better all around hitter.

At the plate, Mark Trumbo has been thoroughly underwhelming when he is not hitting home runs. He does not draw walks, and strikes out in over 25% of his at bats. His on base percentage is under .300 for his career, with 2012 being the only time that Trumbo was on base over 30% of the time. In fact, Trumbo’s .234/.294/.453 batting line in 2013 was the worst of his career.

Is there a chance that Trumbo just needs a change of scenery and could be a buy low option? Perhaps, but at this point he does not appear to be worth acquiring. Not only would Trumbo not be able to provide much offensively, but he just does not have a position.

Mark Trumbo would be the power bat that the Royals need, but he would not provide anything else for Kansas City. The Royals would be better off just staying away.