Kansas City Royals: Time to be honest about rebuilding
By John McCarty
Whit Merrifield is a versatile player and likely the most valuable trade piece for the Royals. Are they willing to move him?
Perhaps no player has greater trade value on the Royals than the second baseman turned right fielder in Whit Merrifield. Signed through the 2022 season at an affordable number, his defensive versatility, speed on the basepaths and ability to get on base with some power should provide a nice return for the Royals.
Already 30, Merrifield is likely on the downward arc of his career by the time the Royals are truly contending for postseason baseball. Merrifield’s greatest opportunity to contribute is right now, and between his contract that guarantees a team that acquires him control at a limited cost through at least 2022 (he has a 2023 team option).
Having started this season at center field, right field, and second base, Merrifield can contribute both at the plate and on defense and could fill almost any void in a lineup for a contender.
During the Winter Meetings in 2016, the White Sox traded Adam Eaton to the Washington Nationals for a slew of top prospects in pitchers Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez along with Dane Dunning.
Do I think the Royals would net a return similar to that? Not likely (Eaton was younger than Merrifield). However, do I think the Royals could add a couple high caliber prospects, yes I do.
Too many teams looking to contend this year could find a use for the versatile player.