Royals announce two-year deal with outfielder Lorenzo Cain
The Kansas City Royals avoided the potential issue of an arbitration hearing with outfielder Lorenzo Cain, agreeing with him on a two-year deal that was announced on Monday:
#Royals sign OF Lorenzo Cain to 2-year contract, avoiding arbitration. pic.twitter.com/GZfsc02WXr
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) January 18, 2016
Cain is coming off a spectacular 2015 campaign that in large part helped the Royals to their World Series championship. In 140 games, Cain hit .307/.361/.477 with 16 home runs, 72 RBI and a WAR of 7.2.
His above-average defense and hitting also earned him his first All-Star appearance, and he was third in MVP voting in the American League.
By all accounts, Cain's new two-year pact was a bargain for the Royals - and would pave the way for a long-term extension, should one come to fruition.
#Royals have confirmed Lorenzo Cain 2-year deal. $6.5M in 2016 and $11M in 2017
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) January 18, 2016
The Royals are trying to put together a roster strong enough to avoid the dreaded post-World Series slump and extend their window of opportunity, and Cain will be a huge factor in determining whether they're able to remain an elite club in the AL in 2016.