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Royals Rumors: Exploring three potential Whit Merrifield trades

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 25: Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield (15) raises his hands to signal "Vroom Vroom" from the dugout during an interleague MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals on September 25, 2019 at Kaufmann Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 25: Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield (15) raises his hands to signal "Vroom Vroom" from the dugout during an interleague MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals on September 25, 2019 at Kaufmann Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Brandon Marsh #89 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim  (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Brandon Marsh #89 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim  (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Here are some trade returns the Royals front office should explore with Whit Merrifield:

Los Angeles Angels

  • Brandon Marsh OF – 22 years old for 2020 season
  • Jeremiah Jackson SS/2B – 20 years old for 2020 season
  • Jahmai Jones 2B/OF – 22 years old for 2020 season
  • Hector Yan LHP – 21 years old for 2020 season

Brandon Marsh is a borderline five-tool player, who can play above-average defense at each of the outfield positions and exhibits a plus arm. Marsh has plus speed to steal 15-20 bases per year and projects have above average hit and power tools to generate a .260 average and 15-18 home runs per year. He has advanced plate discipline and should be able to generate an OBP 80 points above his batting average. ETA – 2020

Jeremiah Jackson showed off a power display in the Rookie Pioneer League smashing 23 bombs in 256 at-bats. Jackson projects to be an average to slightly above average middle infield defender with a plus arm. Jackson has average speed and may max out at ten stolen bases per year, but projects to have a plus hit tool and may have increased his power tool to generate a .270 average and 15-18 homers per year. ETA – 2022

Jahmai Jones is incredibly athletic and has plus speed. Jones projects to be an average infielder or above average outfielder utilizing his athletic ability. He has plus speed and could steal 20+ bases per year. He has a slightly above average hit tool and average power to generate a .260 average and 11-14 home runs per year. Jones also has advanced plate discipline and should be able to generate an OBP 60 points above his batting average. ETA – 2020

Hector Yan is a 5’11” left-handed starting pitcher who features an above average fastball (typically around 92 mph, tops 96 mph), above average curveball with great depth, and a developing average change-up. Yan’s control is still in need of progression, but he managed to strike-out 148 batters in 109 innings (vs. 52 walks) in the Single A. ETA – 2022