Kansas City Royals: Players of the Year for 2017 Season
ROYALS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: NUMBER 2 – WHIT MERRIFIELD
- Slash Line: .288/.324/.437
- Home Runs: 19
- RBI: 78
- Runs: 80
- Doubles: 32
- Triples: 6
- Stolen Bases: 34
The biggest surprise of 2017 was Whit Merrifield, who became a staple in the Royals lineup and on the diamond. Merrifield didn’t even begin the 2017 season on the Royals’ roster, as Raul Mondesi won the starting second base job and Christian Colon was kept on the team due to not having any options left.
[Merrifield] finally fills that second base position that the Royals have been trying to find FOREVER.
Merrifield had options remaining and therefore, he was sent down to the minor leagues, even if it wasn’t the fairest of decisions. Ol’ Whitley quickly showed that the managerial staff made the wrong decision there, as he was called up not even two weeks into the season and never went back to the minors.
Merrifield led the American League in stolen bases this year with 34 and was a guy the team could really count on to get on base and make something happen. He became the Royals’ leadoff hitter near the middle of the season and remained in that spot through the duration of 2017.
What makes Whit Merrifield so great is not only that he was productive at the plate, but he finally fills that second base position that the Royals have been trying to find FOREVER. He can play in the outfield too, which is great, but it’s clear that he’s found a home at second base and the Royals won’t take that for granted.