There is a chance that the Kansas City Royals will "make a play" to retain veteran outfielder Lorenzo Cain, who will hit the free agent market this offseason, reported Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe last weekend.

The Royals face a difficult winter in which three core players -- Cain, first baseman Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas -- will be on the open market at the same time. Keeping all three would be next to impossible, but Cafardo asks if Cain might "be better off staying put rather than testing the waters."

The 31-year-old Cain will make $11 million in 2017 and is enjoying a strong season in his walk year, posting a .301/.363/.445 slash line with 15 homers. Cain also batted over .300 in 2014 and 2015.

As for possible suitors, the Texas Rangers repeatedly asked the Royals about Cain in trade talks, noted Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News last week. Fraley cautions the Rangers are expected to pursue multiple starting pitchers on the free-agent market, and there might not be enough dollars left over for Cain.

-- Doug Mittler