Kansas City Royals: Top Twenty Hitters In Team History

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain hits a three-run triple against the New York Mets in the 12th inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

17. Lorenzo Cain

This rating is, admittedly, a bit of extrapolation. Lorenzo Cain has solid overall numbers with the Kansas City Royals, but has really only come into his own over the past two seasons. However, those past two years have been a tantalizing look into what Cain may very well be.

More from Kings of Kauffman

• Winter Meetings: Any blockbusters for the KC Royals?
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The versatile Nate Eaton
• KC Royals: Club appears ready to hire pitching assistant
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: Infielder Nicky Lopez
• New pitching coach looks like a good fit for KC Royals

While Cain’s career numbers for the Royals, where he has posted a .286/.336/.418 batting line with 94 doubles and 80 steals, are good, it is these past two seasons that show what he is capable of. Finally scratching the surface of his potential, Cain has a .304/.351/.447 batting line with 63 doubles, 21 home runs and 56 stolen bases since the start of 2014.

Cain may never be a 20-20 player, but his blend of gap power, speed and his ability to make contact combine to make him a threat at the plate. Now that his offense game has progressed to an outstanding 126 OPS+ (26% better than a league average hitter), Cain turned into an MVP candidate in 2015. He finished third behind superstars Josh Donaldson and Mike Trout.

Lorenzo Cain could easily move up this list since he will turn 30-years-old during the 2016 season. If his power continues to develop, he could force his way into the top ten.

Next: Carlos Beltran's Replacement