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Kansas City Royals: 4 possible trade destinations for Whit Merrifield

By Jacob Milham

Jul 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; American League second baseman Whit Merrifield of the Kansas City Royals (15) looks at the stands during warmups before the 2021 MLB All Star Game at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; American League second baseman Whit Merrifield of the Kansas City Royals (15) looks at the stands during warmups before the 2021 MLB All Star Game at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2018; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield (15) throws to first base as Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) runs toward second base in the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2018; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield (15) throws to first base as Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) runs toward second base in the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

The Seattle Mariners are middle of the pack in the Amerian League West.  Does Whit Merrifield fill a late-season hole?

To be fair, I have been a guy who wants to see the Mariners succeed, just not against the Royals.

This is a middling organization that holds a historic 19-year playoff drought. A Seattle Mariners fan could be born and now graduated high school without ever seeing the team in the postseason. I relate strongly to this as a Kansas City sports fan, for sure.

The Mariners need to capitalize on a close AL West and AL Wild Card race, and they seem ready to make a splash.

FanSided’s Robert Murray describes the Mariners as “contenders” in need of pitching and infield help. While the Royals may not have much to offer in top pitching help, they have one of the top right-handed batting, another quality the Mariners are looking for, infielders available.

Both first and second base are needs for the Mariners to contend. First baseman Evan White is out for the remainder of the season and second baseman Dylan Moore is not succeeding at the plate. Plus, Moore currently carries a .3 WAR, so an upgrade is necessary for consistent infield play.

Merrifield can slide into either position and provide a steady bat and defensive presence. Moore could also benefit from his addition, as Moore and Merrifield display similar play styles and skill sets. Learning from one of the best could set the young second baseman up for long-term success in the Mainers organization.

The Mariners are a team who could be either buyers or sellers, according to Murray. The organization may read the market and punt on this season or could see an opportunity to be aggressive. With a positive 10-game record following the All-Star break,  signs point to the Mariners making moves in late July.

While Seattle wants to keep its young core together, the Royals should pursue a pitching prospect, such as Juan Then or Brandon Williamson. With proper coaching, the Seattle farm system is full of prospects that some scouts drool over, such as Alberto Rodriguez.

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