Cain opts out; Brewers on hold
Cain opts out for rest of season
Lorenzo Cain decides to opt out of the rest of the season as the Brewers’ home opener series is called off.
Milwaukee Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns wasn’t certain if the COVID-19 outbreaks involving the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals influenced veteran centerfielder Lorenzo Cain’s decision Saturday to opt out of the remainder of the 2020 season.
“He didn’t specifically mention that,” Stearns said. “I think it’s fair (to say) that the events of the past week, I’m sure, played a part. He did not specifically mention the Cardinals or the Marlins, for that matter.
“I think this was just something that he had been considering, thinking about, discussing with his family and ultimately it just got to the point yesterday where he was ready to make his decision.”
In making that call, Cain became the 17th player to opt out of the delayed 60-game season and one of the more prominent ones, joining the likes of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price and San Francisco catcher Buster Posey. Atlanta outfielder Nick Markakis opted out only to change his mind and return to his club but as of Saturday all such decisions by players are final.
Cain was not deemed an at-risk player for COVID-19, so
his decision was elective and included forfeiting the remainder of his $5.92 million pro-rated salary. The decision came on the day the Brewers’ home opener against St. Louis at Miller Park was postponed for the second time because of ongoing positive tests with the Cardinals’ travel party.
“After careful consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided to opt out of the 2020 season,” Cain said in a statement released by the club. “With all of the uncertainty and unknowns surrounding our game at this time, I feel this is the best decision for me, my wife and our three kids.
“The Brewers organization was very understanding and supportive of my decision, and I thank them for that. I wish all of my great teammates the best of luck this season and look forward to getting back on the field in 2021. Please stay safe.”
The loss of Cain, 34, who won the National League’s Gold Glove in center field last season, is a big blow for the Brewers in their quest to make the playoffs for a third consecutive season. He had a down offensive season in 2019 but is considered one of the best at his position in the majors and a beloved leader in the clubhouse.
Cain was batting .333 with a .429 onbase percentage in five games this season.
“It’s going to hurt,” Stearns said. “‘Lo’ is a big part of this team. He, from a physical standpoint, was in a great spot this year. His body felt really good. I think we saw that through summer camp and the first week of the season. He’s in great shape and playing at a really
high level right now and we were going to get a really good season out of him, and so we will miss that and the energy he provides.
“We’re also looking forward to getting him back for what will hopefully be a full and complete season in 2021, and we expect him to be in equally good shape.
Stearns said Cain had not mentioned he was considering opting out until informing manager Craig Counsell about his decision Friday night.
“I spoke later with him and his agent,” Stearns said. “He felt this was something that he needed to do. We completely respect the decision and support the decision. This is something that Lorenzo had been thinking about and discussing with his family for some time.
“This is the first (time) he had brought it to our attention but as we understood the decision and understood the decision-making process, it’s something that’s been on his mind. And, ultimately, he believes this is the right thing for him to do and we understand that.”
Earlier in the week, while talking with reporters from Pittsburgh, Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun made it clear that massive COVID-19 outbreak with the Marlins was weighing on the minds of players, and that was before news broke of the Cardinals’ positive tests.
“There’s real fear, there’s real anxiety for me, for all my teammates,” Braun said. “We’ve found it very difficult to focus on baseball at all over the last couple of days. I know, for me personally, I don’t feel comfortable with where we’re at.“
Asked then about the possibility of players opting out of the season, Braun said, “It’s day to day. For most of us, it’s day to day. We’re constantly assessing the situation, seeing where we’re at.”
On Jan. 25, 2018, the Brewers signed Cain to a five-year, $80 million contract, the largest free-agent deal in franchise history. That same day, they acquired Christian Yelich in a trade with Miami, and the two outfielders sparked the team to consecutive postseason appearances for the first time since 198182.
The obvious replacement for Cain in center is Ben Gamel, the reserve outfielder who swung a hot bat during summer camp and blasted a two-run homer Wednesday in a 3-0 victory over the Pirates. Cain comes off the Brewers’ 40man roster and likely will be replaced by former starting centerfielder Keon Broxton, currently at the alternate training site in Appleton as a non-roster player.
“This provides a really nice opportunity for Ben Gamel, a guy who has swung the bat well,” Stearns said. “He came back from a hiatus in a really good spot with his swing, and he’s going to get a longer look and a bigger opportunity now.”