KC Royals Potential Departures, Vol. 2: Lorenzo Cain

If dealt, what could he fetch and who could be in the market?

Although the sunk cost of Jason Heyward’s Corpse in centerfield is a tough cross for the Chicago Cubs to bear (I’m sorry, that’s an awful pun), they could eat some of that money and toss Heyward and a prospect at the KC Royals. The Nats need a centerfielder now that Adam Eaton’s out. The Mets may not have designs on contending this season, but they definitely won’t without an outfield upgrade.

Others:

An outfield of LoCain, Ryan Braun and Eric Thames becomes EXTREMELY interesting if the Brewers decide to go for it this year.

Jerry DiPoto loves to wheel and deal; the Seattle Mariners could always pair Cain and Jarrod Dyson in the league’s fastest outfield.

The Dodgers because money, and also because the Joc Pederson/Andrew Toles/Kike Hernandez three-headed monster isn’t working out.

What might it cost to hang on to him?

Somewhere between Josh Reddick Money (four years, $52 million) and Dexter Fowler Money (five years, $82.5 million), you’ll find Lorenzo Cain Money.

How’s the new CBA factor into all this?

As a three-win outfielder, Lorenzo Cain is unlikely to take a qualifying offer, meaning the KC Royals would be getting picks if he departed. And as a small-market franchise, the Royals would probably be okay with picking up a two and a five (if he signed with an over-tax team) or a three (under the $195 million threshold) if option two was giving an obscene contract to a 31-year old centerfielder.