MLB Trade Rumors Predicts Kendrick, Cain to Sign with San Francisco Giants

MLB Trade Rumors ranked the top 50 free agents and predicted a team for each player. They picked Lorenzo Cain and Howie Kendrick to sign with the San Francisco Giants.

A lot of these articles will come out this time of year, and they are fun to look at, but they’re nothing more than an educated guess.

A lot of people, including Giants fans, have been clamoring for Lorenzo Cain, so that one makes sense.

Cain was ranked as the seventh best free agent on this list.

We’ve already talked about how Cain makes sense for the Giants this offseason. However, one thing I haven’t considered is the new CBA.

Signing free agents who received a qualifying offer becomes a bit more difficult for high payroll teams. It’s kind of confusing, but basically if the Giants sign Cain for more than $50 million they’ll have to give up two picks in the top five rounds because they paid luxury tax.

With the Giants actually having a high pick in every round this year, that makes signing any player with a qualifying offer attached to him even harder.

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Still, if the Giants feel Cain is the answer for them in center field, I don’t think the draft picks would stop them from making this deal.

As for Kendrick, I think that’s just a shot in the dark. Kendrick would obviously just be a veteran bench player who can play on the infield and in the outfield.

The Giants will probably look to sign a guy like that this offseason, but I’m not sure it’s Kendrick.

I was kind of surprised the Giants weren’t picked to sign more free agents. They should be very active this offseason as they look to turn things around quickly after a brutal 2017.

A lot of the Giants work this offseason might come through trades though. Or the Giants could save up and wait for the big free agent class of 2018.

Next: San Francisco Giants: Four free agents they must avoid

With the World Series now behind us, it’s officially Hot Stove season. Make sure to check back with Around the Foghorn throughout the offseason as we keep you up-to-date on any rumors or signings.