Kansas City Royals: It’s Never Too Early For Trade Talk

Whit Merrifield

Much like Herrera, almost every team could use a guy like Whit Merrifield. He can play any position on the diamond. I bet if you ask him, he’d say he could even catch. Since he could be traded to nearly any team, I’m only going to focus on one team who has a very big need at second base, the Seattle Mariners.

Past Infielder trade comparisons-

• 2017 Rays trade Infielder Tim Beckham to the Orioles for pitcher Tobias Myers. Myers came into this year as the Rays 15th ranked prospect.
• 2016 Rays trade Utility man Steve Pearce to the Orioles for catcher Jonah Heim.

For the best comparison, we probably need to go back to 2015 and a trade we are all too familiar with. Ben Zobrist going from the A’s to the Royals for Sean Manaea and Aaron Brooks. Zobrist was a mere rental and brought back an ace in Manaea. Even though Merrifield is more than just a rental, I don’t see us getting a #1 pitching prospect for him.

2018 Scenario

• Royals trade Merrifield to the Mariners for relief pitcher Art Warren and outfielder Anthony Jimenez.