Baseball fans around the world know Lorenzo Cain as an accomplished center fielder who played for the Milwaukee Brewers for several seasons.
However, Cain’s future in the sport became uncertain when he struggled to find his footing during the 2022 season. After batting just .179 in 43 games, the Brewers designated him for assignment in June of that year.
While Cain cleared release waivers and became a free agent, fans and pundits alike wondered if he would continue playing baseball. In this blog post, we will explore whether Lorenzo Cain is still playing and examine the events that led up to his retirement announcement in March 2023.
Cain’s 2022 Season
During the 2022 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, Lorenzo Cain had a difficult time getting on base and finding his rhythm at the plate.
Over the course of 43 games, he only managed to hit .179, which is well below his career batting average of .285. Cain struggled to make contact with the ball and was striking out more frequently than usual.
As a result of his poor performance, the Brewers designated Cain for assignment on June 18, which meant that he was removed from the team’s active roster and no longer counted against their 40-man roster limit. This move gave the Brewers 7-10 days to either trade Cain, release him, or place him on waivers.
The Brewers’ decision to designate Cain for assignment was a difficult one, as he had been a key member of their team for several seasons. However, his struggles at the plate were impacting the team’s performance, and they needed to make a change.
While the Brewers had the option to keep Cain in their organization by sending him to the minors, they ultimately decided to give him the opportunity to explore other options as a free agent.
Cain’s Free Agency
When a player is designated for assignment, it means that the team has removed him from their active roster and is giving him the opportunity to be traded, released, or placed on waivers.
During the period after the player is designated for assignment, the team has a limited amount of time to decide what to do with the player.
In Lorenzo Cain’s case, he was designated for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers on June 18, 2022. After clearing release waivers on June 22, he became a free agent and was free to sign with any team that was interested in his services.
Despite his struggles during the 2022 season, there was still some interest from other teams in signing Cain.
His strong defensive skills and previous success at the plate made him an attractive option for teams looking to improve their outfield depth. However, it’s unclear how many teams reached out to Cain or what the terms of any potential contract offers may have been.
Ultimately, Cain decided to retire from baseball in March 2023, which ended any speculation about his future as a free agent. While it’s possible that he received offers from other teams during his free agency period, he chose to walk away from the game on his own terms.
Cain’s Retirement Announcement
On March 7, 2023, Lorenzo Cain announced his retirement from baseball, bringing an end to his 12-year career in the major leagues.
His announcement came as a surprise to many fans, as he had previously expressed a desire to continue playing and had even been working out during the offseason to prepare for the 2023 season.
Cain did not give a specific reason for his retirement, but he mentioned in a statement that it was time for him to focus on his family and his health.
He thanked the Milwaukee Brewers organization and his teammates for their support throughout his career and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play the game he loved.
The Brewers also released a statement about Cain’s retirement, expressing their appreciation for his contributions to the team and wishing him well in his future endeavors.
They noted that Cain had been an important part of the team’s success in recent years and that his presence on the field would be missed.
While Cain’s retirement came earlier than expected, it’s possible that his struggles during the 2022 season and his designation for assignment by the Brewers played a role in his decision.
Additionally, Cain is a father of three young children, and he may have wanted to spend more time with his family as they grow up. Whatever the reason, Cain’s retirement marks the end of a successful career and a lasting impact on the game of baseball.
Table name: Career Summary for Lorenzo Cain
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Career length | 12 seasons (2010-2022) |
| Teams played for | Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals |
| Position | Outfielder |
| Career batting avg. | .266 |
| Career OPS | .753 |
| All-Star selections | 2 |
| Gold Glove Awards | 1 |
| Silver Slugger | 1 |
| World Series titles | 1 (2015 with Kansas City Royals) |
| Retired | March 7, 2023 |
This table provides a quick overview of some important aspects of Cain’s career, including his teams, position, key statistics, and awards. It also notes his retirement date in 2023.
FAQ
What were some of Lorenzo Cain’s career highlights?
During his career, Cain was a two-time All-Star, a Gold Glove Award winner, and a Silver Slugger Award winner. He helped lead the Kansas City Royals to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2014 and 2015, with the team winning the championship in 2015. Cain was also named the MVP of the American League Championship Series in 2014.
How did Cain’s struggles in 2022 compare to his previous seasons?
Cain’s batting average of .179 in 2022 was well below his career average of .285. He had also never hit below .260 in a full season before. However, Cain had struggled with injuries in recent years, which may have contributed to his performance on the field.
What is Cain’s legacy in baseball?
Cain will be remembered as a talented outfielder with exceptional defensive skills. He was known for his ability to make highlight-reel catches and had a reputation as one of the best defensive outfielders in the game. Cain’s impact on the Royals’ championship teams in 2014 and 2015 also solidified his place in baseball history.
What are some of the reactions to Cain’s retirement announcement?
Fans and fellow players alike expressed sadness and appreciation for Cain’s career after his retirement announcement. Many noted his impressive defensive skills and his contributions to the game of baseball. Cain’s former teammates on the Brewers and Royals also expressed their support and wished him well in his retirement.
To Recap
Lorenzo Cain’s retirement announcement in March 2023 marked the end of a 12-year career in the major leagues. Despite struggling during the 2022 season and being designated for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers, Cain became a free agent after clearing release waivers on June 22, 2022.
While there was some interest from other teams in signing him, Cain ultimately decided to retire for personal reasons, including a desire to focus on his family and his health.
Throughout his career, Cain was known for his strong defensive skills and his ability to make an impact at the plate. His retirement announcement may have come as a surprise to many fans, but it’s clear that he left a lasting impact on the game of baseball.
