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MLB: Six Unlikely Players That Are All-Star Worthy

By Benno Martens

May 11, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Mark Trumbo (45) hits a home run in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Mark Trumbo (45) hits a home run in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mark Trumbo – Baltimore Orioles

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Of all of the surprises in baseball thus far in 2016, Mark Trumbo may be the biggest. An all-star in 2012 with the Los Angeles Angels, the big slugger looked like a bona fide middle of the order mainstay through his first three full big league seasons before falling off a cliff.

From 2011-2013, Trumbo averaged 31 home runs, 94 runs batted in, and 2.2 fWAR. After being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and then the Seattle Mariners, those numbers dipped to 13 homers, 51 RBIs, and -0.5 fWAR the past two seasons.

But the Anaheim native has found new life with the O’s. Through the team’s first 38 games, Trumbo is slashing .304/.356/.595, is tied for the American League lead with 12 homers, and places in the top ten in RBIs, wOBA, and wRC+. That’s been good for a 1.2 fWAR already, and is certainly deserving of a spot on AL squad.

Next: AL third base is getting crowded

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