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Texas Rangers Showing Increased Interest in Lorenzo Cain

By Andrew Webb |
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 08: Lorenzo Cain (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 08: Lorenzo Cain (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Most of the Texas Rangers off-season has been about building their pitching depth, but that’s not all they plan on upgrading. Recent reports have the Rangers ramping up their pursuit of outfielder Lorenzo Cain.

Since the beginning of the off-season, outfielder Lorenzo Cain and the Texas Rangers seemed like a perfect fit. Texas needs an outfielder and want to compete in 2018, and Cain is one of the best outfielders on the market.

Last season, Cain hit .300 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI with 26 stolen bases in 155 games. Cain had many career highs in 2017 such as: hits (175), walks (54), and OBP (.363), he posted a 5.3 WAR as well.

The 31-year-old outfielder spent the last seven seasons with the Royals. He was an All-Star once, but posted a batting average over .300 three times while in KC. He’s a quality leadoff hitter, something the Rangers desperately need.

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It’s unlikely the Rangers bring back Carlos Gomez who is currently a free agent. He posted a 1.8 WAR last season, which goes to show Cain is the far superior player. If Cain signs elsewhere, Gomez could be a Plan B.

The Rangers current outfield is filled with Nomar Maraza and Delino DeShields, but after that who knows. It’s likely Shin-Soo Choo sees more DH than outfield in 2018. Willie Calhoun played some with the Rangers in 2017, but no guarantee he’s on the 2018 Opening Day roster.

Adding an outfielder especially one of Cain’s caliber, could be a huge addition for Texas. Cain is someone who can draw walks and be a reliable leadoff hitter. He’s going to come with a four or five year deal, but has the track record to support him.

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