San Francisco Giants: Three Possible Trade Candidates
By Paul Ashley
After losing many of their top players over the last few seasons to free agency and trades, the Kansas City Royals are in rebuilding mode. Although White Merrifield is controllable through the 2023 season, he is 29 years old, so he may not fit the Royals rebuild mentality. On the other hand, he would fit into the Giants plans.
This season, Whit Merrifield holds a .370 on-base percentage and a .420 slugging percentage. Brandon Belt is the only Giants player with higher numbers in both of those categories. As Belt is an incredibly valuable member to the Giants, this should show how valuable Merrifield could be for San Francisco.
Merrifield’s value does not stop at the offensive side. Over the course of his MLB career, he has spent time at second base, left field, center field, right field, first base, and third base. This would allow Bruce Bochy to be able to put Merrifield all over the field to either give players rest or fill in for injuries without losing any offensive production.
As the San Francisco Giants are known to be looking for outfield help, Merrifield could also be their answer in left field or center field long-term if they do not want to use him strictly as a utility player.
What makes Merrifield an even better option? His salary. He would only be owed the prorated amount of his $569,500 salary following a trade.
Merrifield would give the Giants flexibility on the field and flexibility on the payroll side. Therefore, he would be a perfect fit on this Giants team.