Did the Brewers Release Lorenzo Cain?

Kevin Smith

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Did the Brewers Release Lorenzo Cain

Baseball fans and enthusiasts may recall Lorenzo Cain, a former center fielder for the Milwaukee Brewers. Cain, known for his speed, defensive prowess, and strong offensive capabilities, played a significant role in the Brewers’ success during his time with the team.

However, questions have arisen about his departure from the Brewers and whether or not he was released from the team.

We’ll delve into Cain’s career with the Brewers, his departure from the team, and ultimately answer the question, “Did the Brewers release Lorenzo Cain?”

By providing a comprehensive overview of Cain’s time with the Brewers and the circumstances surrounding his departure, we hope to offer clarity to fans and provide context for those seeking answers.

Background on Lorenzo Cain’s Career With the Brewers

Lorenzo Cain joined the Milwaukee Brewers in January 2018, signing a five-year, $80 million contract. He had previously played for the Kansas City Royals, where he was a key player in the team’s success, helping them reach the World Series in 2014 and winning the championship in 2015.

During his time with the Brewers, Cain was a consistent performer and one of the team’s most valuable players. He provided excellent defense in center field and was a strong hitter, finishing his first season with the Brewers batting .308 with 10 home runs and 38 RBIs.

In 2019, he played a pivotal role in the Brewers’ playoff run, hitting .250 with a home run and 5 RBIs in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Cain’s leadership and work ethic also made him a respected member of the Brewers clubhouse. In addition to his on-field contributions, Cain was known for his mentorship of younger players and his positive influence on team morale.

There were several notable achievements and moments during Cain’s time with the Brewers. In May 2018, he hit a home run in the 10th inning to give the Brewers a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Later that year, he won a Gold Glove award for his outstanding defensive play in center field. Cain also played in the 2018 MLB All-Star Game and was a finalist for the Rawlings Gold Glove award in 2019 and 2020.

Overall, Cain’s tenure with the Brewers was marked by consistent excellence both on and off the field. His impact on the team helped to elevate them to playoff contention and made him a beloved figure among Brewers fans.

Lorenzo Cain’s Departure From the Brewers

In June 2022, Lorenzo Cain cleared waivers with the Milwaukee Brewers, which meant that he was not claimed by any other team, and he became a free agent.

It was a surprise move as he was still under contract with the Brewers, and there had been no indications that the team was considering letting him go.

Shortly after clearing waivers, Cain announced his status as a free agent, indicating that he was open to signing with any team that might be interested in his services.

At the time, there were rumors that he might consider returning to the Kansas City Royals, where he had played for the first seven seasons of his career.

The Brewers organization and fans had mixed reactions to Cain’s departure. Some were surprised and disappointed to see him leave, as he had been a key contributor to the team’s recent success. Others understood the move as a business decision and wished him well in his future endeavors.

The Brewers themselves did not comment extensively on Cain’s departure, but team officials acknowledged his contributions to the team and thanked him for his service.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell stated, “Lorenzo is a special player, a special person. He has done so much for our organization, and he will always be a part of our family.”

Overall, while there were some mixed emotions about Cain’s departure, most Brewers fans recognized his talent and contributions to the team and wished him the best in his future endeavors.

What It Means to Be Released From a Team

To be released from a team in baseball means that the team has terminated a player’s contract, making them free to sign with any other team. This is typically done when a team no longer sees a player as a valuable contributor or if they want to create roster space for other players.

When a player is released, they become a free agent, which means they are free to negotiate and sign a contract with any team that is interested in their services.

Being a free agent gives the player more control over their career and allows them to explore other opportunities.

It is important to note that being released is different from being designated for assignment. When a player is designated for assignment, they are removed from the team’s active roster, but they remain under contract with the team.

The team has a set amount of time to either trade or release the player before their contract becomes void and they become a free agent.

In summary, being released from a team means that a player’s contract has been terminated, and they are free to sign with any other team as a free agent.

This is different from being designated for assignment, which means the player is removed from the active roster but is still under contract with the team.

Lorenzo Cain’s Career Stats with the Milwaukee Brewers

YearTeamGames PlayedBatting AverageHome RunsRBIsStolen Bases
2018MIL141.308103830
2019MIL148.260114818
2020MIL43.333162
2021MIL30.245153
TotalMIL362.284239753

Note: The table shows Lorenzo Cain’s career statistics with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2018 to 2021, including the number of games played, batting average, home runs, RBIs, and stolen bases.

FAQs

Did Lorenzo Cain have any injuries during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers?

Yes, Cain had a few injuries during his time with the Brewers, including a strained left hamstring that caused him to miss several games in 2019 and a hip injury that required surgery and ended his 2021 season early.

How long was Cain with the Milwaukee Brewers?

Cain joined the Brewers in January 2018, and he played with the team for over four seasons before being released in June 2022.

Was Lorenzo Cain an All-Star during his time with the Brewers?

Yes, Cain was selected to the National League All-Star team in 2018 and 2019, his first two seasons with the Brewers.

What were some of Lorenzo Cain’s career highlights?

In addition to his two All-Star selections, Cain has won four Gold Glove Awards for his outstanding defensive play and was a key member of the Kansas City Royals team that won the World Series in 2015.

Was Lorenzo Cain’s release a surprise to him?

It is unclear if Cain was expecting to be released by the Brewers or if it came as a surprise to him. However, he did announce his status as a free agent shortly after clearing waivers, indicating that he was prepared to move on to another team if necessary.

Conclusion

Lorenzo Cain’s departure from the Milwaukee Brewers came as a surprise to many fans and observers. While he had been a consistent and valuable contributor to the team during his tenure, the Brewers organization made the decision to release him, allowing him to become a free agent.

Cain’s departure highlights the sometimes-difficult choices that teams must make in balancing their short-term and long-term goals, as well as their financial considerations.

It also underscores the role that business decisions play in professional sports, where team owners and managers must balance their commitments to their players, fans, and financial stakeholders.

Despite his departure from the Brewers, Cain remains one of the most respected players in the game, known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and positive influence on his teammates.

It remains to be seen where he will sign next, but wherever he goes, he is sure to continue making a significant impact on the field and in the clubhouse.

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Kevin Smith

I am a dedicated learner who is constantly pursuing my dreams in many areas of life. I am a Finance major at the University of Maryland, a professional baseball player for the Toronto Blue Jays and the owner of my personal brand, Elevate Baseball. I hope to inspire younger learners of all sports and interests to tirelessly pursue their dreams, whatever that may be. LinkedIn

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