KC Royals: Nationals Were Interested In Lorenzo Cain Last Winter

Early trade rumors and speculation have swirled around after a lackluster 7-16 start by the KC Royals. More are probably to come.

Along with recent news of the Washington Nationals being interested in closer Kelvin Herrera, the Nationals were reportedly interested in outfielder Lorenzo Cain last winter, according to MLB Trade Rumors. There is no reason to think the Nationals are not interested in the KC Royals centerfielder.

The Nationals just lost their centerfielder for the season, Adam Eaton. Eaton came over in a trade with the Chicago White Sox that included three sizable prospects (Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, and Dane Dunning).

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Many people at first viewed the trade as an overpay. But the Nationals liked Eaton’s control and contract. He proved them right to begin the 2017 season too, hitting to the tune of .297/.393/.462.

Now with a torn ACL, Eaton will remain in the dugout for the remainder of the year. That means right now the Nationals will be running out Michael Taylor for centerfield. Insert scared face emoji.

This could have the Nationals on the trade market for a centerfielder some time this year. Could Lorenzo Cain still fit the bill?

If the KC Royals could pair Lorenzo Cain up with Kelvin Herrera, they could net a sizable return.

Nationals Prospects

A pair of Lorenzo Cain and Kelvin Herrera could be borderline enough to possibly get OF Victor Robles, the Nationals #1 prospect and the #10 prospect in all of baseball. Though, it is not likely, as the Nationals had trouble giving him away in a trade for Andrew Mccutcheon last year.

Some other prospects that could interest the KC Royals could include:

RHP Erick Fedde, Nationals #2 Prospect, MLB #75 Prospect

SS Carter Kieboom, Nationals #3 Prospect

OF Andrew Stevenson, Nationals #5 Prospect

RHP Austin Voth, Nationals #6 Prospect

OF Juan Soto, Nationals #12 Prospect

Trade

Sending Lorenzo Cain and Kelvin Herrera to the Nationals could return a package of something like Erick Fedde, Carter Kieboom, and lower minors lotto ticket. This would be a deal the KC Royals would need to jump on if out of contention.

KC Royals: Where Could Royals Players End Up?

These two teams could fit perfectly for a trade. This could by something to keep an eye on throughout the rest of the season.