Help Wanted: Power Hitting Outfielder

Kevin Towers was quoted as saying, multiple times, that he his seeking a corner outfield power bat this offseason. In principle, this is a great idea as Arizona was mostly devoid of corner outfield production at the plate in 2013. But the organization doesn’t have much money to spend and there aren’t many options on the trading block that match the criteria. But that doesn’t mean that this power bat is entirely mythical. While we didn’t include it in our Offseason Plan, there are a few matches out there that could make sense, although at this point I’d place them in the “unlikely” category.

The first scenario is perhaps the most realistic given how the market is shaping up. Arte Moreno’s Angels are expensive and not necessarily very good. While you could argue that they had a “down year” in 2013 at the plate, the pitching staff really struggled and there’s far less reason for optimism heading into 2014. Behind Jered Weaver and CJ Wilson, the Angels have nothing but question marks, especially with Jason Vargas signing with Kansas City last week. Clearly there’s a need for pitching with the Angels and, guess what? The Diamondbacks have a surplus of pitching. Adding to their dilemma, the Angels are concerned about adding significant payroll going forward, thanks to them giving up the world for the aging duo of Pujols and Hamilton over the last couple of winters.

Before you go getting excited over a crazy idea of acquiring Mike Trout or get depressed about a deal to pick up the rest of Josh Hamilton’s contract, remember that Angels have a first baseman who is capable of at least taking up space in the outfield without completely embarrassing himself. His name is Mark Trumbo and he hits for power.

Now, Trumbo plays first base for a reason. He’s not a great outfielder but UZR thinks he’s better in left field than in right. That’s fine for Arizona, as that’s the area where they have space. The Angels might be motivated to move him given that they are looking to save money on the position player side of things and Trumbo is arbitration eligible for the first time this winter. His salaries are going nowhere but up in the next few years, meanwhile the cupboard is pretty bare for the Halos pitching staff beyond their two veterans. While we’d love to move Trevor Cahill if possible, the Angels may prefer cheaper options like Randall Delgado and/or Tyler Skaggs to build around. Rather than build a proposal for a trade that hasn’t even been publicly speculated, I’d rather leave it as the Angels need pitching and the Diamondbacks want a power hitting outfielder. There’s a match here and where there’s a match, there’s a possibility.

In a similar vein, there’s another possiblity for a left fielder from California. Oakland is reported to be interested in shopping Yoenis Cespedes this winter as they look to shed some salary obligations. He’s due $21 million over the next two years, so the Diamondbacks would have to be creative in either expanding the budget or making some adjustments. Oakland wouldn’t likely want Cahill back so it would require an intriguing package of young players that suits their needs. Just what Billy Beane would want is unclear, but shortstop is clearly not a need with Addison Russell on the fast track. A center fielder and some young arms might get the conversation going but from there it’s anyone’s guess.

Trumbo and Cespedes are representative of the very few options that may be available and affordable for Arizona in the outfield. They aren’t perfect fits as both have their warts and either one would probably cost more than most Diamondbacks fans would find acceptable. But if Towers is serious about finding this near mythical hitter, he’s going to have to swallow hard and make a deal that may not be popular while costing Arizona significant pieces of the future.

And that’s why I don’t think either deal ultimately happens. The cost associated would likely outweigh the gains and more power doesn’t necessarily mean more wins, which is the ultimate goal. Arizona can’t afford to overpay for these potential resources like other teams can and that will keep them from winning out if/when Trumbo and Cespedes change locales. Towers, in the meantime, will have to keep dreaming.