MLB trade rumors: Top 25 trade assets for deadline

9. Lorenzo Cain

Coming out of Tallahassee Community College, Lorenzo Cain could only be described as a major project with plenty of upside. He did not even start playing baseball until his sophomore year of high school. To further drive home the point of how raw Cain was when he decided to start playing baseball after being cut from the basketball team, consider the fact that he did not even own a glove at the time.

Cain took his time coming up through the minor leagues, and did not make his debut until the age of 24. He became a centerpiece in the trade that sent Zack Greinke to the Milwaukee Brewers, and went on to become the best player on the Royals back-to-back World Series teams.

Of the many trade chips the Royals have to offer, Cain may be the most unlikely to be dealt. He will be 32 next season, and may not have priced himself out of the Royals range. Teams are getting wise about paying out for five-plus years for speedy outfielders in their thirties, and it may be best for Cain to stay with the Royals as they may be more willing to pay a bit over market value to keep him.

It is also difficult to find a contending team that is a perfect fit for Cain and the Royals as a trade partner. The Rangers could be a fit, as could the Arizona Diamondbacks if A.J. Pollock continues to deal with injuries.