Kansas City Royals: Best free agent signings under Dayton Moore

BEST DAYTON MOORE FREE AGENTS – NUMBER 6: MELKY CABRERA

Before the Royals traded for him in 2017, Melky Cabrera had been a Royal before, back in the 2011 season. Dayton Moore signed Cabrera to a one-year deal worth just over one million dollars and the Melkman responded by having one of the best seasons of his career.

He had won a World Series with the Yankees in 2009 and was traded to the Braves before the 2010 season began. His time in Atlanta didn’t go all that well, which likely led to him being a cheaper option despite only being 26 years old.

Dayton Moore hit the jackpot with this signing in 2011.

The Royals benefitted greatly from Cabrera’s rough 2010, as he felt the need to prove himself. He would appear in 155 games and had 658 at-bats to the tune of a .305/.339/.470 with 18 home runs and 87 RBI. The Royals would only win 71 games that year, but Cabrera was a highlight for sure.

Cabrera would rejoin the Royals in the 2017 season after being traded to them at the deadline. He wouldn’t have quite as much production as he did in 2011, but he was 33 and still managed to bat .269 with four home runs in 223 at-bats.

While it’s doubtful that Melky Cabrera will get another massive contract, Dayton Moore hit the jackpot with this signing in 2011.