Kansas City Royals: 4 possible trade destinations for Whit Merrifield

The Chicago White Sox are a last-ditch wild card. Would a stellar package convince Dayton Moore?

Sadly, it makes too much sense.

Despite injuries to key plays such as outfielder Luis Robert and second baseman Nick Madrigal, Chicago has a stranglehold on the AL Central. They are nine games ahead of the second-place soon to be Guardians of Cleveland. Not a banner year for the division.

Thus, the White Sox have a 99% chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs. This, coupled with a nearly 13% chance of winning the World Series, might have the White Sox big buyers at the deadline.

Unlike other teams, Merrifield would slot into an immediate need at second base. With Madrigal lost to injury, Leury Garcia has stepped into the position with less than stellar results. While on paper Garcia is not doing terrible, Merrifield would offer the White Sox a more stable offensive and defensive presence.

Of course, Merrifield’s versatility comes into play in regards to injuries. He can slot throughout a pedestrian outfield and allow the White Sox to focus on who has the hot hand while Merrifield provides that reliable bat.

Trade returns all depend on how desperate the White Sox are to pry Merrifield away. An ideal package would include pitchers Jonathan Stiever or Norge Vera. Any trade that could keep Merrifield playing against the Royals through 2023 should only come if the price is right.

If the pieces aren’t there, let’s hope Merrifield keeps bombing on the AL Central.