Royals Rumors: Cameron Maybin a possibility in center field

The Kansas City Royals very well could lose Lorenzo Cain this offseason. With no clear replacement in-house, Royals rumors suggest that the team might target free agent Cameron Maybin to take over in center field.

It’s going to be a crazy offseason filled with Royals rumors and we’re only just beginning the process. Between the Kansas City Royals likely losing several players this winter, they’ll probably sign a few as well.

One name that has been linked to Kansas City already is outfielder Cameron Maybin, who Jon Morosi tweeted is an option for the team. Maybin will turn 31 in early April and never has hit his full potential during his 11-year career.

Maybin has spent time with the Tigers, Marlins, Padres, Braves, and recently won a World Series with the Astros after the Angels traded him there midseason. The long-time veteran player isn’t going to set the world on fire, but he’s fast and is the type of player the Royals typically covet.

In-house options for the Royals aren’t the best to choose from. Paulo Orlando seems to be the likeliest option to start in center field, but he had a disappointing 2017 campaign that saw him injured and in the minors for the duration of the season. Billy Burns and Bubba Starling don’t seem to be even close to being every day players.

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As mentioned earlier, Maybin split his 2017 season between Anaheim and Houston. He slashed .228/.318/.365 with ten home runs and 35 RBI in 450 plate appearances with both teams. He stole 33 bases as well and was mainly used as a pinch runner during his time with Houston.

This isn’t the type of signing that’s going to psych up the fan base, but that’s not shocking. Lorenzo Cain is probably leaving and that sucks. It’ll be hard to replace what Cain does offensively and defensively, but Cameron Maybin is a better option than what the Royals have.

Maybin wouldn’t be an expensive guy to sign and he’s someone you could move on from after 2018 if he doesn’t pan out. He’s not a big name, but those are the guys the Royals tend to sign (at least they used to).

Center field is an area the team should look to address in free agency because moving Alex Gordon there isn’t the best idea. Gordon is one of the best left fielders in the game and why mess with a good thing? Keep Gordon in left, start Jorge Bonifacio in right, and sign Maybin with the intention of playing him in center field.

Fans would love to see Cain in center, but there isn’t a lot of buzz about the Royals wanting to re-sign him. Another team is going to shell out a ton of money to the 32 year old Cain and that’s a contract the Royals can’t afford to give.