Kansas City Royals: Top Second Basemen In Franchise History
By Joel Wagler
player. 7. Three Seasons – 2016-present. 2B. KC. Whit Merrifield. 2
Best second baseman in Kansas City Royals history: 2. – Whit Merrifield
It didn’t take long for Whit Merrifield to go from an unheralded over-aged prospect to an unexpected star and fan favorite. In just a season and a half, Merrifield’s play has vaulted him into Royals’ history as the second-best second baseman every to play for the franchise.
In his short stint with the Royals, he has already played six additional positions on top of his primary spot at the keystone.
While his versatility has been a bonus, it has been his bat and his baserunning that has made him such a pleasant surprise. In his first 2,669 plate appearances, he has hit .295, including topping .300 in 2018. He also has led the American League in stolen bases twice, hits twice, and triple once.
It is am amazing that Merrifield has put up such a great WAR in such a short time, accumulating 13.7 WAR in his career.
How much he entrenches himself as the number two Royals’ second baseman all-time depends a lot on if the Royals decide to keep him around for a few more years. He’s under contract through 2023 so he has every chance to become an all-time great Royal. He’s had an impressive start to his career; let’s hope he gets a chance to continue it in Kansas City.