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KC Royals: A look back at success and a vision for the future

By Gage Stagner

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 03: A general view of crowds gathered in front of Union Station as the Kansas City Royals players hold a rally and celebration following a parade in honor of their World Series win on November 3, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 03: A general view of crowds gathered in front of Union Station as the Kansas City Royals players hold a rally and celebration following a parade in honor of their World Series win on November 3, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Kansas City Royals’ Whit Merrifield (15) (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals’ Whit Merrifield (15) (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

This is stated with all kinds of regret already, but Merrifield is on the wrong side of 30, but was one of the most coveted position players at this year’s deadline.

There is no indication that will change next season as Merrifield is an absolute ball player with a capital “B.” That insinuates that Kansas City can get a HAUL back in return before next season’s deadline.

If Moore plays his cards right, Merrifield is just as good next year, the general manager could create a bidding war and get some star-potential prospects in return. Merrifield is a super-utility guy like Ben Zobrist who can play any position you put him at. Plus, he has a better bat on the arguably the best contract in the league.

So what kind of potential trades? Here are a few with possible contenders next season that were rumored to be inquiring about him at this year’s deadline.

Phillies receive: Whit Merrifield

Royals receive: OF Adam Hasely, OF Jhailyn Ortiz

Hasley is the number 4 prospect for the Phils according to MLB.com and is just about MLB ready and would presumably start in center field for the Royals on Opening Day or close to. Ortiz is 20 years old and has potential to be a power hitter but struggles with contact.

Cubs receive: Whit Merrifield

Royals receive: OF Brennan Davis, RHP Oscar De La Cruz

Davis was a basketball star and is a very good athlete. He’s 6”4 and is the number three prospect for the Cubbies with upside at all five tools. De La Cruz is someone with a high ceiling, but very raw and has a 4.41 ERA in the minors currently.

The unpopularity aside, getting a couple of good prospects with upside back for Merrifield could help the Royals immediately and in the long run. This also opens up the possibility for Kansas City to start getting serious in the years to come.

If they were to trade a few of their own prospects, say Meibrys Viloria and Brady McConnell for a major league stud, that is within the realm of possibility. This gives the Royals flexibility depending on how their current guys and future guys progress.

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