KC Royals Trade Rumors: Will Whit Merrifield be on the move?

The KC Royals would likely want a hefty return, but if the offer is right, the team might consider a package for super-utility man Whit Merrifield.

It’s obvious the KC Royals still have some time before they are considered serious contenders. While they have shown some progress this year and had some really well played games, there are still some areas that will require work, consistent offense looking to be the big one for 2020.

In a recent article, the decision to be buyers and sellers was briefly touched on. The Royals are starting to drift further and further away from a postseason spot, but with a good stretch could find themselves in the mix. Because of this, there has been some question as to whether or not they would be buyers or sellers or neither when the trade deadline finally arrived.

Trevor Rosenthal has been the big trade name for the Royals this year, with plenty of teams looking for a strong bullpen arm and one that will not cost them a lot. The bullpen as a whole might actually be the focus of many teams as there are plenty of Royals relievers who are producing.

Another name to keep an eye on, though, is one that often comes up during trade talks, Whit Merrifield. A trade involving Merrifield is not new by any means and fans tend to be split on the idea.

Merrifield could bring a large return to the Royals. He is on a club-friendly contract for any team and with his resume, the Royals could bring in a heap of prospects to help push them forward over the next few seasons.

On the other hand, Merrifield is one of the few consistent bats the Royals have in their lineup and can move around and play almost any position. Plus, the club-friendly contract is attractive to the Royals as well, not just possibly buyers.

It’s likely the Royals have a high price tag on Merrifield, but that might not keep teams from calling. A few others around the league seem to think there could, or should, be some movement with Merrifield.

Zachary Rymer over at Bleacher Report has Merrifield going to the Reds in his bold statement for the Royals, citing his contract as an important piece.

Merrifield may be 31, but he’s carrying on as a late-blooming star, and he’s on a club-friendly deal that runs through 2022 with an option for 2023.

Howard Cole would also like to see some movement for the utility man, suggesting that if the Dodgers could trade for one player that it should be Whit Merrifield.

While the Royals’ feelings about trading Merrifield will likely remain a mystery until a trade does or doesn’t happen, he could be an interesting player to watch over the next week. While he provides consistency and defense that any team would want, Kansas City may not be willing to give up their star.

Whit Merrifield is always hot talk when it comes to trades. The Royals are not always clear about their feelings with trading Whit, but that likely won’t stop the calls from coming in.