Kansas City Royals: Brett Phillips could be the next Lorenzo Cain

The Kansas City Royals are hoping that Brett Phillips can be a star. Based on the early returns, they could have the next Lorenzo Cain.

In the midst of what has been a long and brutal season for the Kansas City Royals, they have been looking for building blocks. With players like Mike Moustakas, Kelvin Herrera, and Jon Jay having been sent elsewhere, the focus has been on making the future of the franchise as bright as it can be.

The Royals may well have found  future star in Brett Phillips. The former top 100 prospect had been blocked in the Brewers outfield, but in his short time in Kansas City, he has appeared to be a key part of the rebuild. Phillips has already hit a home run and displayed an excellent glove during his brief time with the Royals. On Thursday, he uncorked the third hardest throw of the season, and the hardest throw by a Royals outfielder since 2015.

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Over the course of his minor league career, Phillips showed a great deal of potential. He had produced a .279/.360/.475 batting line in his 2760 minor league plate appearances, hitting 74 homers and stealing 84 bases. Phillips also displayed a solid batting eye, drawing 290 walks, a patient approach that the Royals could use in the lineup.

With that combination of decent pop, solid speed, and excellent defense, Phillips looks like another former Brewers prospect that the Royals acquired in a trade. Lorenzo Cain had come over when Zack Greinke was traded to the Brewers, and developed into a key part of the Royals revival. During his time with the Royals, Cain posted a .289/.342/.431 batting line, hitting 56 homers and stealing 120 bases. Cain was also brilliant defensively, one of the best center fielders in the game.

It may only be four games, but Phillips is starting to look like the second coming of Cain. It would be fitting if that was the case given their similar backgrounds – both had been acquired from the Brewers during a push to the postseason, being blocked due to a deep outfield, and being sent to Kansas City at 24 years old. He may not have Cain’s speed, but Phillips has a bit more pop, and the same defensive chops.

The Kansas City Royals are looking for building blocks for their future. Brett Phillips certainly appears to be one of them.