Kansas City Royals: 3 trade destinations for Whit Merrifield
Whit Merrifield is a veteran of trade rumors at this point. The Kansas City Royals second baseman has been coveted for the past few years, as his production, defensive versatility, and affordable contract combined to make him one of the bigger bargains in the game. However, the Royals were not interested in trading Merrifield, rebuffing all possible offers.
But times have changed. The Royals are now reportedly more willing to trade Merrifield than before, although that does not mean that a deal will end up happening at any point. But the fact that the front office is at least willing to listen is a departure from previous years.
Three trade destinations for Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield
Given Merrifield’s ability to play all over the infield and in the outfield, he has become one of the most desired players at the trade deadline. His contract, with $2.75 million due in 2022 and a $10.5 million option in 2023, certainly helps as well. The Royals, in theory, would have their pick of suitors for his services, potentially speeding up their rebuilding process.
Where could the Kansas City Royals send Whit Merrifield? Let’s look at three potential trade destinations.
Chicago White Sox
Chances are, if the Chicago White Sox are going to make a move this year, it will be to replace Nick Madrigal in their lineup. Merrifield, with his ability to play almost anywhere on the diamond, would be a great fit.
Merrifield would replace the contact oriented approach that Madrigal provided the White Sox while providing much more. He has more pop in his bat than the injured second baseman possesses, hitting eight homers and 21 doubles thus far in 2021. His dynamic speed would add another element to the lineup as well, as his 25 steals lead the league.
He would also be more than just a rental for the White Sox. Once Madrigal returns in 2022, Merrifield could potentially move to the outfield, where Chicago could have a void. If nothing else, he would be an impressive super utility player, playing nearly every day while seeing time around the diamond.
The biggest question, if the Kansas City Royals were to engage in such trade talks, is whether or not they would be willing to trade Merrifield to a divisional foe. The White Sox do have pieces that could make a deal work, but the idea of seeing Merrifield in Chicago for the next 2.5 years may be more than the Royals would want.
The Chicago White Sox are looking for a second baseman. Whit Merrifield would be a perfect fit, if the Royals were willing to make a trade within the division.
New York Mets
The New York Mets have been looking for infield help since Robinson Cano was suspended for the year due to another PED violation. The Mets also need help in the outfield, especially as their depth at the position has taken a beating this year. As such, it is not a surprise that they are reportedly watching Whit Merrifield’s market.
Merrifield would be a perfect fit for the roster. His ability to play second would allow Jeff McNeil to move to third, making Jonathan Villar more of a utility player once again. Additionally, his ability to play all three spots in the outfield would potentially allow the Mets to use Kevin Pillar as a fourth outfielder.
For a team that has been as reliant upon their pitching as the Mets have been, adding another solid bat to the lineup would be a major help. Merrifield may only have a 97 OPS+ this season, but his ability to get on base, respectable pop, and excellent baserunning would make him a solid addition.
The Mets also have the level of prospects that the Kansas City Royals could be interested in. While Kansas City believes that they have the young pitching they need to contend soon, they still need to find more pieces for the future of their lineup.
The New York Mets lineup needs help. Whit Merrifield could be a part of the solution.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants, despite leading the NL West, have several holes on their roster. Donovan Solano has been unable to replicate last year’s magical season with the bat. Alex Dickerson has disappointed in left, and while Mike Tauchman deserves a Gold Glove award, his bat has not been close to productive.
Whit Merrifield would be a solution to those problems. He could slot in at second base until Tommy La Stella returns, while seeing action in the outfield to give the Giants another respectable option.
The Giants are also going to have plenty of money to spend in the offseason with approximately $33 million currently on the books. Merrifield’s inexpensive salary for 2022 would not only allow them to fill a void in lineup at a discount, but to be able to splurge on needed upgrades elsewhere.
For the Giants, the biggest obstacle may be the asking price. Merrifield will not come cheaply, and San Francisco does need to address other areas on the roster as well. However, as Merrifield would solve two problems, he would make a great deal of sense.
Next. Pair of top prospects getting closer. dark
The San Francisco Giants need help in their lineup. If the Kansas City Royals trade Whit Merrifield, he could be the perfect fit.