Mark Trumbo (OF, BAL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 35% of leagues

ANALYSIS: At this point in his career, you know exactly what you're getting from Baltimore Orioles outfielder Mark Trumbo.  The 6'4", 225 lb power-hitter has averaged a staggering 24.77 home runs per season dating back to his first full year in the MLB in 2011.  This year, Trumbo has maintained his penchant for the long ball and has put up respectable numbers despite being a part of a punchless Orioles lineup.  Trumbo is hitting .263/.317/.461 with 17 home runs, 44 RBI, and 41 runs scored in 2018.  His career-high line drive percentage (23.6%) is well above his career average (17.2%), while his hard contact percentage (39.7%) is also best in his career.  A 6.9% walk rate and a 24.2% strikeout rate means that his on-base percentage isn't likely to rise, but a .197 ISO and solid advance hitting metrics suggest that his power numbers will continue throughout the rest of the year.  Trumbo is 54th in Barrels/PA (7.2), 61st in Barrels/Batted Ball Event (10.5), 11th in Hard-Hit % (48.9%), and 10th in Average Exit Velocity (92.8 MPH) among players with 150+ batted ball events in 2018.  Last but not least, consider Trumbo's recent form.  In his last 14 games played, he is hitting .333/.354/.667 with five home runs, 14 RBI, and seven runs scored - that's good for a 1.021 OPS over the last two weeks of action.  Steamer is projecting eight home runs, 22 RBI, and 18 runs scored over the remainder of the season for the big man.  Scoop him up in 12+ team leagues if you're in need of home-run upside and don't mind taking a slight hit in the average, on-base percentage, and strikeout categories.