5 potential landing spots for Whit Merrifield via trade

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.