Kansas City Royals: Whit Merrifield might be best option in right field
The Kansas City Royals are inching closer to Opening Day and as of now, right field looks like a train wreck. Whit Merrifield might have to be the man there once the season gets underway.
For those who have been Kansas City Royals fans for a long time, it’s no surprise that right field is struggling once again. That position has long been a void for the organization and if Spring Training is any indication as to what 2019 has in store in right field, yikes.
As Cody Tapp, 610 Sports’ Royals insider, noted in the tweet below, it hasn’t been pretty for the Royals right fielders so far this spring. In fact, it’s been downright ugly.
The best option for the Royals this season might be Whit Merrifield, who can play any position in the outfield. Merrifield has mostly been used as a second baseman during his time in Kansas City, but part of what makes him such a great asset is his ability to play multiple positions and do so admirably.
Right Field is having a rocky start to spring
— Cody Tapp (@codybtapp) March 12, 2019
Goodwin: 1 for 21 with 8 Ks
Phillips: 3 for 18 with 8 Ks
Bonifacio: 6 for 28 with 11 Ks
If Merrifield were to play right field, Chris Owings would be the obvious choice to sub in at second base. The Royals could also opt to bring Nicky Lopez up at some point and have him man second base, as he is going to be a long-term part of the Royals rebuild.
More from Kansas City Royals
- This Plus-Money Bobby Witt Jr. Prop Bet is on Fire (Hit in 15/21 Games)!
- The Royals Need to Extend Bobby Witt Jr. Immediately
- DraftKings + FanDuel Kansas Promos: INSTANT $150 Bonus Plus Two Chances to Win!
- 3 Royals Players Who Won’t Be on the Roster Next Year
- LAST CHANCE to Claim $250 GUARANTEED Bonus With FanDuel and DraftKings Kansas Promos!
The original plan in right field was a bit of a mystery to begin with, as any of the three listed in Tapp’s tweet could have been the starter. Brian Goodwin was acquired via trade last year, but his role coming into this season was unknown. He now might be an easy candidate to designate for assignment.
Brett Phillips was another trade acquisition, but he’s going to hopefully be a center field option moving forward. It’s clear that he needs fine tuning in the minors and signing Billy Hamilton was proof that the Royals feel the same way.
Jorge Bonifacio had a nice rookie campaign in 2017, but his follow-up season wasn’t very good. He had been popped with an 80-game suspension heading into the season and didn’t rebound nicely once seeing the plate. It appears Bonifacio hasn’t figured out his struggles so far in Spring Training.
The Royals could have Jorge Soler in right field, but he really should be their designated hitter moving forward. He’s not great defensively and fits the DH mold to a tee.
Right field has long been a problem for the Kansas City Royals, but slotting Whit Merrifield in for a duration of the 2019 season could help immensely. Yes, he’s mostly a second baseman, but the Royals have better options there than they do in right field.
Next. Prospects Who Could Make Impact in 2019. dark
What do you think, Royals fans? Would you agree that putting Merrifield in right field is the best move for this season?