Fansided

One reason each MLB team can win the World Series in 2017

By Joshua Sadlock

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 31, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) celebrates with left fielder Whit Merrifield (15) after hitting a two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) celebrates with left fielder Whit Merrifield (15) after hitting a two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Royals: Contract motivation

Staring down three major free agencies — Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, and Mike Moustakas — the Royals may be nearing the end of their championship window. The 2017 season is likely the final chance for this current core to go for it before the roster turns over. Simple economics just will not let the Royals keep all three stars. With the new CBA, and the changes to the compensation for losing a top free agent, the Royals do not stand to benefit much by keeping all three if they are not in contention.

Cain, Hosmer, and Moustakas all have big things to prove as they play out their final season before hitting the open market. Hosmer needs to show he can hit for more power if he wants to be paid like the top first basemen in the league. Moustakas must show he is healthy after injuring his ACL last year. Cain also missed big chunks of time with injuries last year, and was not as effective at the plate when he was on the field.

The Royals will not be a bad team if the status quo from 2016 carries over into 2017. They will hang around .500 and battle for second or third place in their division. That’s not good enough to justify holding onto their assets at the trade deadline. However, if the extra motivation of a walk year leads to strong years from three holdovers from the 2015 champions, the Royals can squeeze one more run at a title out of this core.

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