The Kansas City Royals are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline given their slow start to the season, so who might be on the way out?
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports thinks that outfielder Lorenzo Cain is the Royals player that is most likely to be playing elsewhere after the deadline, according to Connor Byrne of MLBTradeRumors.com.
Center fielder Lorenzo Cain might end up as the Royals’ most valuable trade asset in the coming months, posits Rosenthal, who relays that the team isn’t convinced first baseman Eric Hosmer would bring back a “sufficient return.” Hosmer’s hitting a solid .299/.362/.408 in 174 PAs, but that’s not great production relative to his position, and first base typically isn’t an in-demand area around the deadline, notes Rosenthal. The same goes for third base, which could make it difficult for the Royals to move Mike Moustakas – another of their high-profile impending free agents – for a sizable return. Meanwhile, pitchers Jason Vargas, Kelvin Herrera and Mike Minor are also names to watch as the Royals potentially prepare to sell.
Cain's contract is up after the season season, and the Royals have been worried for two years that they won't be able to afford to re-sign him.
In 39 games this season, Cain is batting .281 with one homer and nine RBIs. He also has eight doubles and 11 stolen bases.
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