Whit Merrifield shows Kansas City Royals need complete reset

The Kansas City Royals are going to be very shorthanded when they begin their four game set in Toronto. Ten players are set to be placed on the Restricted List as they are unvaccinated against Covid-19, barring their entry into Canada. That list includes the likes of Andrew Benintendi and Whit Merrifield, making possible trades that much trickier.

Except that might not be the case with Merrifield. He stated that he would consider getting the vaccine if he was traded to a contending team at the deadline.

Whit Merrifield could get vaccinated if he leaves the Kansas City Royals

This is a very curious statement. Publically, the Royals have been saying that they were looking to contend heading into each of the past two seasons. Merrifield had refused to get vaccinated in that time anyway despite those public displays of confidence in the roster.

It is also worth noting that Merrifield has been one of the Faces of the Royals over the past few years. As one of their better players, and their player rep with the MLBPA, his words and actions carry a lot of weight. If he did not believe in the Royals enough to get vaccinated, especially when the Blue Jays were considered a viable World Series contender at the start of the season, what does that say about the state of the franchise?

In theory, these statements will help his trade value as contending teams would feel comfortable in the fact that he would be available for those games in Toronto. But it also shows a lack of confidence in the Royals and their general direction. Merrifield can couch these statements however he wants, but if he would get the vaccine if he was traded to a contender, then it speaks volumes about the Royals.

Changes need to happen from the top down. The front office has rested on the laurels of 2014 and 2015, comfortable in their mediocrity. Mike Matheny is not the answer on the bench. Key members of the organization have not bought in to the vision of the organization. It is time for a new direction and new outlook.

Whit Merrifield says he will consider being vaccinated if he is traded to a contender. That speaks volumes about the Kansas City Royals.