Fansided

Each MLB team’s best trade ever

By Joshua Sadlock

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 19: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers takes a swing during an at-bat in a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 19, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the game 6-2. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 19: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers takes a swing during an at-bat in a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 19, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the game 6-2. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – JUNE 27: Center fielder Lorenzo Cain #6 of the Kansas City Royals catches a fly ball hit by Mikie Mahtook #15 of the Detroit Tigers for the third out of the sixth inning at Comerica Park on June 27, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JUNE 27: Center fielder Lorenzo Cain #6 of the Kansas City Royals catches a fly ball hit by Mikie Mahtook #15 of the Detroit Tigers for the third out of the sixth inning at Comerica Park on June 27, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Royals: Lorenzo Cain from the Brewers, 2010

  • Royals get: Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Jake Odorizzi, Jeremy Jeffress
  • Brewers get: Zack Greinke, Yuniesky Betancourt

This was the trade that made it possible for the Royals to go to back-to-back World Series in 2014 and 2015 and win their first title since 1985. Lorenzo Cain was the best player on the field for the Royals in both runs to the Fall Classic. A bit of a late bloomer who did not establish himself as a full-time player until his age-27 season, Cain has been an elite defender with excellent speed and solid power.

Cain is the big name in the trade that sent Greinke to Milwaukee, but there are multiple big names in this deal. Escobar became the sparkplug at the top of the order of the 2015 championship team. His game may be flawed, but Escobar fits the Royals model perfectly. Jake Odorizzi only started two games for the Royals, but was used to help Kansas City get Wade Davis and James Shields. Without Davis and Shields, the Royals probably do not go to the World Series.

Already 31, Cain will get his first chance to test free agency at the end of the 2017 season. His skillset is not one that typically ages well, but Cain may be able to find a five-year deal on the open market. He came late to baseball and does not have as much wear and tear on his body. Cain could end up staying with the Royals if bigger market teams are scared off by his age.

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