Dodgers Rumors: Possible trade targets to stay away from

May 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers hang on the dugout wall of Coors Field during the sixth inning of the game against the Colorado Rockies. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers hang on the dugout wall of Coors Field during the sixth inning of the game against the Colorado Rockies. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Dodgers Rumors – Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dodgers Rumors – Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Lorenzo Cain

Lorenzo Cain trade talks had reached an all-time high during the MLB offseason. After dealing Wade Davis to the Cubs, and Jarrod Dyson to the Mariners, it was well established that the 2015 World Series champs were looking to rebuild their franchise. With only one season left under contract, coming off of an injury-riddled season, Cain seemed to be the first option to go.

Despite that, we are in May and Lorenzo Cain is still a Kansas City Royal. Thus far, Cain is having a fairly productive 2017. Despite the power numbers being down with only one homer and nine runs batted in, Cain is batting .305. This is good enough for a 1.4 Wins Above Replacement by Fangraphs terms, making him the eighth most valuable outfielder in baseball.

Cain fits the mold that the Dodgers are looking for. He is a great corner outfielder that can field, also allowing him to play center, and he thrives against left-handed pitching. Outside Justin Turner and Corey Seager, the Dodgers lack a player that can shine from both right and left-handed pitchers. Cain can bring that to the table for the Dodgers.

However, it is not Cain himself that should cause the Dodgers to stay away, it is merely the other options available. I have preached for weeks now that Ryan Braun is the perfect player to join the Dodgers, as he absolutely dominates lefties. With only one year left under contract, the Dodgers should pass on Cain and turn their focus to players they can lock down for longer.