Kansas City Royals reportedly not trading Whit Merrifield
By David Hill
After weeks of speculation, the Kansas City Royals reportedly will not be trading Whit Merrifield.
It is understandable that the Kansas City Royals would have a high price tag for Whit Merrifield. Not only has he established himself as a solid super utility player, but he has become a force in the leadoff spot, a player capable of hitting for power with excellent speed and contact skills. Merrifield is also under team control through 2023, a player that could be a key part of the Royals turnaround.
Merrifield would also be extremely valuable to a contending franchise. He has played all three outfield positions, as well as first and second, this season. Add in his offensive capabilities, as he has twice led the American League in steals, and is once again leading the league in hits, and the Royals have quite the commodity to shop at the deadline.
Although the Royals could potentially get a bidding war for Merrifield’s services, that is not the path they will take. According to reports, the 2019 All Star will remain in Kansas City, as he is not on the trade block.
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Thus far in 2019, Merrifield has been the Royals best hitter not named Hunter Dozier. He has produced a .306/.357/.495 batting line, hitting 12 homers and stealing 15 bases. Entering action on Thursday, he was also the AL leader with 132 hits and nine triples on the year.
It is not just Merrifield’s potent bat and defensive versatility that makes him such a key part of the Royals roster. He has also stepped up in a leadership role, serving as a valued mentor to the younger players. In fact, he offered to move off of second base, either to remain in right or serve as that super utility player, to get Nicky Lopez an every day spot in the lineup.
The Royals also are not looking to embark on an extensive rebuild. While they have made several deals already, those trades have involved the likes of Homer Bailey and Martin Maldonado – players that had signed one year contracts and were not a part of their future plans. Dealing Merrifield would change that narrative, with the Royals admitting that their hoped for quick turnaround would not be happening.
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Whit Merrifield is the type of player that any contending team could use. However, according to reports, the Kansas City Royals have pulled their All Star from the trade block.