Royals Rumors: Mets could pursue Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain

A lot of recent talk about the Kansas City Royals has centered around the attempt to re-sign two of their big three free agents. But the Mets could be planning a similar coup this offseason.

For much of the offseason, however brief that may have been, the idea seemed to be the Kansas City Royals would target the signature of Eric Hosmer. The team’s other two big free agents, Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain, would be looking for work elsewhere.

Recently, though, the idea that the Kansas City Royals could re-sign two of the three began to pick up steam. The general consensus seems to be the scenario would involve re-signing Hosmer and Moustakas. Basically, the organization has given up on attempting to bring back Cain.

Reunited in the Big Apple?

But it’s also looking like Moustakas and Cain will be pursued by a different team — the New York Mets. While it’s possible the franchise would have to settle for one or the other, the club could probably afford both if no other major signings are made. The starting rotation is in great shape. And the bullpen will likely stay away from the big-time free agents, aiming more at Mike Minor and similar players.

The duo would fill a pair of the Mets’ biggest needs. Corner outfield positions are set with Yoenis Cespedes and Michael Conforto, but Cain would fit nicely into the gaping hole in center field, according to FanRag Sports’ Ryan Davis. Moustakas, meanwhile, could replace the aging David Wright at the hot corner, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

What about the other coast?

Speaking of Wright, the irony of Moustakas and Cain joining the team they beat in the 2015 World Series is not lost on me. Then again, the other team that could use both players would be the Giants aka the club the Royals faced in the 2014 World Series. San Francisco has struggled to find a replacement for Pablo Sandoval — even Pablo Sandoval couldn’t fill the gap, and Denard Span has been a major disappointment in center.

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For the record, Davis lists the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco as the other best fits for Cain. Cafardo sees the Giants as suitors for Moustakas and Cain. He also thinks the Angels and Yankees could chase the slugging left-handed hitter. However, it’s starting to look like the Giants won’t chase the top free agents this winter, according to Grant Bisbee of McCovey Chronicles.

Either way, it would be a real long shot for San Francisco or New York to bring in Moustakas and Cain. It’s possible the price tag for each player ends up over $75 million. That’s asking a lot for two franchises coming off seasons that saw them nowhere near playoff contention. Then again, adding two postseason veterans at prime positions would certainly increase their chances of contending in 2018 and beyond.

Next: Best moments of 2015 postseason run

What do you think, fans? Could Moustakas and Cain wind up on the same team? Is that too much for one franchise to spend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.