KC Royals: Who are the club’s top Gold Glove candidates?

Whit Merrifield has been on a run playing second base for the KC Royals.

Although Whit Merrifield is able to bounce around the outfield, his primary position has been at second base this season, a consequence of Nicky Lopez making the switch to shortstop in the face of Adalberto Mondesi’s injuries.

Kansas City fans already know what Merrifield brings to table. He’s an all-around utility player. He has the second-best average on the team at .280 and leads the majors with 38 stolen bases. And he’s also ranked high in top defensive categories.

In 117 games at second base, Merrifield’s .988 fielding percentage ranks first in the American League. He leads the AL with 213 putouts, 299 assists, and double plays turned at 82. Merrifield also has a range factor of 4.69 per nine innings, which is second in the majors, and he has a DWAR of 1.6 which is tied for second in the majors with the Angels’ David Fletcher.

BaseballSavant gives Merrifield an OAA of 7, as he’s had a 77% success rate at second base. This places him in the 92nd percentile.

Merrifield is another KC Royal who hasn’t yet won a Gold Glove. But considering his outstanding range and by leading the American League in a few major defensive categories, he might just be able to do it this season.

Four KC Royals have displayed outstanding defensive prowess this season. Salvador Perez, Michael A. Taylor, Nicky Lopez and Whit Merrifield all deserve Gold Gloves.