If you go by the thinking that a players trade value is his actual, on the field value minus his contract value.

Cain is only under contract for one more season at $15 million. Say he's worth $20 million, so you get $5 mil in surplus value. After that, if re-upped at market his trade value would be zero.

I would be very surprised if Jesus Montero over his 5 years of cheap team control didn't deliver more than a $5 million surplus. Plus you get Swisher and some pitching prospects which they are a little short on right now.

I don't like the trade because I don't know how Montero would fit into this team, but not because it's a lowball offer or anything.