Kansas City Royals: Most surprising players in 2018

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 14: Salvador Perez #13 celebrates with Whit Merrifield #15 and members of the Kansas City Royals as he celebrates his walk-off grand slam against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium on September 14, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

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Whit Merrifield #15 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

MOST SURPRISING ROYALS IN 2018 – NUMBER FOUR: WHIT MERRIFIELD

Some might not have been surprised at Whit Merrifield taking the league by storm in 2018, but let’s be honest here… He’s 29 years old and was coming off what we all believed to be a career year in 2017. It didn’t seem likely that Merrifield would replicate those numbers, let alone outdo them.

That’s just what the former Gamecock did though. Merrifield slashed .304/.367/.438 with 12 home runs and 60 RBI in 632 at bats this year. His batting average was higher this season, but he hit 19 home runs and 78 RBI in 2017.

Even more impressive with Merrifield’s game in 2018 was his ability to steal bases. The Royals second baseman was able to swipe 44 bags (in comparison to his 34 in 2017) and that’s something we all know the organization covets in players.

Not only was Whit Merrifield a speedster on the base paths, but he is able to play solid defense wherever the Royals decide to put him. Merrifield spent most of 2018 at second base, but also saw playing time in the outfield (mainly center field) and at first base.

Fans thought Merrifield might get traded last winter due to his value likely dropping the older he gets, but maybe Father Time won’t catch up to Two-Hit Whit for a few more years. Royals fans would certainly be okay with that.

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