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Kansas City Royals: Storylines to follow in 2019 offseason

By Leigh Oleszczak

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 29: Members of the Kansas City Royals watch as manager Ned Yost #3 gives a farewell speech following their 5-4 win against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 29: Members of the Kansas City Royals watch as manager Ned Yost #3 gives a farewell speech following their 5-4 win against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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Whit Merrifield #15 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
Whit Merrifield #15 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /

WHAT TO DO WITH WHIT

As sad as it is to think about, the Kansas City Royals need to strongly consider trading Whit Merrifield this winter.

For one, Merrifield turns 31 in January and Father Time is undefeated. Then again, we’ve been saying that about Merrifield since he joined the Royals in 2016 at age 27, and he’s continued to prove us wrong.

Secondly, a team looking to strongly contend in 2020 would likely be willing to offer up several prospects in exchange for Merrifield’s services. The South Carolina product is versatile, playing just about any infield position as well as throughout the outfield during his time in the majors. He’s also on a relatively cheap contract, which bodes well on the market.

On the other hand, the Royals might be wise to keep Merrifield because A) He’s one of their few good, star players. B) They might need a decent left fielder in 2020 due to Gordon’s potential retirement.

Merrifield still has it offensively, slashing .302/.348/.463 with 16 home runs and 74 RBI in 681 at bats. He played in all 162 games last year, stole 20 bases, and led the league in hits with 206. Merrifield is a proven baller and it’ll be a tough decision on what to do with him this winter.

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