Kansas City Royals: What to Do with Lorenzo Cain
It seems highly probable that the Kansas City Royals will be sellers this season. The biggest question of all the players they could move may surround Lorenzo Cain.
The Kansas City Royals are in a tricky situation. At 18-25 heading into last night's action, it is safe to say that the Royals are well on their way to being sellers at the deadline. With six impending free agents, two players with options, and Ian Kennedy's opt out after this season, the 2018 incarnation of the Royals could be a vastly different franchise.
Of these potential free agents and trade candidates, one player that has flown under the radar is Lorenzo Cain. A Gold Glove caliber outfielder with solid speed and s bit of pop, Cain has produced a solid .272/.366/.358 batting line, with ten extra base hits and a league leading 12 steals. Cain has also continued his excellent glovework in center, having already saved 11 runs in center. He would certainly be an attractive piece on the trade market.
The issue is that Cain is not your typical impending free agent. Along with Salvador Perez, Cain is a part of the heart and soul of the Royals. We have all enjoyed watching he and Perez interact, and the hilarity that ensues. Where else would we be able to get some of these hilarious videos? An extension would certainly make sense to continue that chemistry, and to lock in an important player on the roster.
More from Call to the Pen
However, there is the major stumbling block that is Cain's impending free agency. After seeing the extension that Kevin Kiermaier commanded from the Tampa Bay Rays, it is not unlikely that Cain would look for a similar deal. They are two very similar players, with their value based on their speed and defense.
Unfortunately, while Kiermaier and Cain my be similar players, there is a difference in their career trajectories. Kiermaier, at 27 years old, is just entering his prime, and has the potential to develop into a better offensive player. Cain, meanwhile, is 31 years old, and will be exiting that hypothetical prime in a couple of years. Will his legs, and defensive capabilities, continue to hold up as he approaches his middle 30s?
That is the question that the Royals will have to answer, and their moves at the trade deadline could speak volumes. Given the possible trade market for outfielders, the Royals could end up with a substantial return. With that being the case, if Cain remains in Kansas City, then the Royals could feel a potential extension is worth the risk. Otherwise, the Royals either received too good of an offer to pass up, or feel that Cain is not worth the extension.
The Kansas City Royals will have a few tough decisions to make, and Lorenzo Cain may be the hardest decision of all.
