Rangers, Brewers reportedly looking at Cain

Free-agent center fielder tied to Draft pick compensation

January 4th, 2018

ARLINGTON -- , who is the top free-agent center fielder on the market, is drawing interest from two teams that appear to be set in the outfield.
According to multiple reports, the Rangers and Brewers are among the teams showing interest in Cain. Both teams are also looking to upgrade their pitching, and their level of desire for Cain depends on the evaluation of their outfield.
The Rangers are looking at an outfield of in left, in center and in right, with as the primary designated hitter. , and Rule 5 acquisition also remain in the mix.
The Brewers are set with in left, in center and in right. They also have top prospects and in their mix.
The Rangers have been focused on acquiring pitching this offseason, and general manager Jon Daniels said at the Winter Meetings the club is intent on giving young position players an opportunity this season. Calhoun and DeShields would appear to be at the top of the list.
But Cain, who broke into the Majors with the Brewers in 2010 and was an integral part of the Royals' two World Series teams in 2014-15, would be an upgrade for any outfield.

Cain, 31, played in 155 games for the Royals last season and hit .300 with 86 runs scored, 15 home runs, 49 RBIs and 26 stolen bases. He had a .363 on-base percentage and a .440 slugging percentage.
Hot Stove Tracker
The Rangers' primary interest in Cain would appear to be his defense. They have said any position-player acquisitions would have to address their desire to upgrade defensively.
The Brewers, who selected Cain in the 17th round of the 2004 Draft before dealing him to Kansas City in the trade for Zack Greinke, might be considering a reunion to then use their outfield depth to trade for starting pitching. Santana, 25, would likely be the most attractive candidate after hitting .278 with 30 home runs, 85 RBIs and a .505 slugging percentage in 2017.
Cain is one of several appealing outfielders on the free-agent market. Also unsigned are J.D. Martinez, and among others, and their asking prices could potentially drop as Spring Training approaches.
Cain rejected the Royals' qualifying offer, which means he would cost the signing team a Draft pick.
The qualifying offer rules, explained
The Rangers would forfeit their second-highest pick, while the Brewers would lose their third highest. The Rangers would also lose $500,000 of international bonus pool money.