Baltimore Orioles: Sign Moss and Get Draft Pick for Trumbo?
By Jamie Ellis
The Baltimore Orioles could perhaps make another double splash by signing free agent outfielder/first baseman Brandon Moss instead of re-signing Mark Trumbo.
Out of all the names I’ve mentioned as possible outfield options for the Baltimore Orioles the last few weeks, I failed to mention Brandon Moss.  This was not an accident, I just could not see the Orioles signing another first base / designated hitter type considering the Orioles already have Chris Davis, Trey Mancini and Christian Walker to consider.  I’ve also assumed the Orioles would re-sign Mark Trumbo.
Lately, I hear quite a bit of “noise” about Brandon Moss and the Baltimore Orioles.  At first I dismissed it, but I feel this “energy” pulling me in, and I figured I should look at Moss as a possible option.  I’ve now gone from dismissing the option to fully embracing it.
Looking at Moss, he is a left-handed hitter.  With the Orioles recent acquisition of Seth Smith, the Birds outfield no longer “screams” for a left-handed hitter.  Still, the roster could use another lefty considering Chris Davis, Hyun Soo Kim, Ryan Flaherty and Smith are the only left-handed hitters that are sure to make the 25-man roster.  The Orioles could use another lefty.
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How would another left-handed hitting outfielder play into the Orioles outfield depth?  I don’t think it could be done without another deal.  In other words, if the Orioles went with Moss, I think they would still add another right-handed hitting outfielder.  For example, if the Orioles added Moss, they may still go after a guy like Angel Pagan.  That would give the Orioles 3 left-handed hitting outfielders (Kim, Smith, Moss) and 3 right-handed hitting outfielders (Rickard, Jones, Pagan (switch-hitter)).
This may sound like too many outfielders; however, I believe the Orioles would use Moss primarily as a designated hitter. Â They could then platoon Kim, Smith, Rickard and Pagan in left and right field.
I would like these 2 moves (signing Moss and Pagan) as it fills the Orioles roster needs while providing a lineup that gets on base at a higher rate.
As for Moss himself, I feel he would thrive in Camden Yards.  While his career batting average is only .241, he has hit 123 home runs over the last 5 years.  From 2012 through 2014, he had on base percentages of .358, .337 and .334.  He would be playing in a home run hitters park.  It would not surprise me to see Moss hit 30+ home runs and drive in 80+ runs.  While these aren’t Trumbo numbers from 2016, I don’t feel Moss will strikeout 170 times a season.  In addition, I don’t expect Trumbo to replicate his 2016 numbers.  I see Moss as a great alternative to Mark Trumbo – but Moss would give the Birds the added advantage of being a left-handed batter.
Re-signing Mark Trumbo would mean that the Orioles forgo the 1st round draft pick they would receive if another team signed Trumbo. Â The Orioles may prefer to sign Moss and get the extra 1st round draft pick.
Of course, any talk of Moss as an option could be a ploy. Â Dan Duquette may want to float the idea that the Orioles prefer getting the extra draft pick only to push Trumbo into a more favorable deal for the Orioles.
Next: Taking Care of Two Birds With One Stone
I expect the next 2 weeks to be interesting for the Birds.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the Orioles closed out their outfield and designated hitter needs in the next 15 days.  Things can change quickly – we’ll see.