In recent years, many teams have tried to find their own Whit Merrifield, an above-average offensive player that's capable of stealing bases and playing just about every position on the diamond.
Now, contenders may finally get a crack at the real thing.
Jayson Stark of The Athletic reported Thursday that the Royals are "more open than in the past" to the idea of potentially trading Merrifield, who played in his second All-Star Game earlier this month.
Now 32, Merrifield has slashed .273/.322/.405 with eight home runs, 51 RBIs and a league-leading 25 stolen bases. While Merrfield has four defensive runs saved at second base in 2021, he's more than capable of holding how own in all three outfield positions, with some prior experience as both corner infield positions as well.
If that's not enough to wet your appetite, Merrifield has one of the most team-friendly contracts in baseball, as he's due just $2.75 million in 2022, and his contract contains a $6.5 million option for 2023.
We'll see if Dayton Moore and the Royals -- currently in last place in the American League Central -- ultimately decide to part with Merrifield. At the very least, here's five teams that should at least place a phone call before the July 30 trade deadline:
Philadelphia Phillies
Could Whit Merrifield help the Phillies?
(Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
While it was before Dave Dombrowski was leading the Phillies front office, the team did reportedly check in on Merrifield in July of 2018 and again in July of 2019. Merrifield's low cost and positional flexibility intrigued Matt Klentak and certainly will do the same to his successor, as the Phillies attempt to return to the postseason for the first time since 2011. Merrifield is a natural second baseman, but could play in center field for the Phillies for the remainder of this year, and potentially see time in left field next season if the Phillies don't pick up Andrew McCutchen's $15 million option for 2022. Essentially, Merrifield would be the Swiss Army knife the Phillies hoped Scott Kingery would develop into.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Whit Merrifield would be an interesting fit for the Giants.
(Darren Yamashita/USA Today)
Doesn't Merrifield just feel like a Dodger? Kiké Hernández departed in free agency this past offseason, after his versatility helped the Dodgers to win the World Series. Merrifield could fill the void left by that loss, potentially seeing extended time both at second base and in left field. It's also possible that if the Dodgers don't make a move for Merrifield, he could end up with another team in the National League West, which at least subconsciously could influence president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
Chicago White Sox
Whit Merrifield is able to thrive at multiple positions.
(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Nick Madrigal is out for the remainder of the season, which would make Merrifield an obvious fit at second base in Chicago -- at least for the remainder of the season. Merrifield could also get at-bats in either corner outfield position, both in 2021 and beyond. The biggest hurdle for Rick Hahn and company to clear is that if the Royals do end up trading Merrifield, they probably would prefer to do so out of their own division.
Milwaukee Brewers
Whit Merrifield could be a fit for the Brewers.
(Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Brewers are likely to win the National League Central, but the addition of Merrifield could potentially upgrade the team at multiple positions. Jackie Bradley Jr. has been a massive disappointment, as the former Red Sox star has just a .545 OPS in 2021. Merrifield could play in center field, and potentially get some at-bats at first base as well. Merrifield's contractual status would likely intrigue a Brewers team that typically isn't one of the sport's top spenders.
San Francisco Giants
Whit Merrifield would be an excellent pick-up for the defending World Series Champion Dodgers.
(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
We mentioned that the Dodgers love players with positional flexibility, well, both Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and manager Gabe Kapler previously worked in that front office. At the time of publication, the Giants have 60 wins, the most in the National League. But as they hope to hold off both the Dodgers and San Diego Padres, they could certainly use some reinforcements. Merrifield would represent an upgrade at second base and/or in left field for the Giants.
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