“Wild Card” Outfield Option
Whit Merrifield
Here we go again, right? Ned Yost made a comment about how he could move Whit Merrifield all around because of his ability to be a “super” utility player. Throughout Spring Training he has played many different positions. So what would it take to make him the candidate for right field?
It is quite simple. It seems like Yost really wants Adalberto Mondesi to be with the big league club. After Dayton Moore signed Alcides Escobar back to the club, that
basically eliminated all chances of Mondesi playing shortstop, leaving Merrifield at second base being moved. Therefore, having the right field open now give the Royals some flexibility when it comes to moving Merrifield.
Merrifield could assume his spot in right field, allowing Modesi to take second base. By doing this, they can see what Mondesi has in store for the year. If Mondesi struggles, moving Merrifield back to second base is going to be easy.
Merrifield has played in the outfield. He has played 14 big league games in right field, as well as 71 minor league games in right field. He actually has experience at every position besides catcher. Before you ask, he has logged 1.0 innings as a pitcher at Northwest Arkansas in 2013. The guy does it all!