2 years agoThe Kansas City Royals will be sellers at this year's trade deadline, and they are talking "more seriously" about second baseman/outfielder Whit Merrifield in trade talks more than ever before, according to one rival executive. Merrifield will be a free agent after next season. Outfielder Andrew Benintendi might be the Royals' top piece this summer, while first baseman Carlos Santana may also draw some interest. Merrifield, 33, is still plenty useful with nine stolen bases, but he hasn't hit much this year. He's currently sporting a .232/.277/.318 slash line with only three home runs, 30 RBI and 33 runs scored in 307 plate appearances over 68 games played. Merrifield has been much better in June, though, and his counting stats could be on the rise if he joins a contender in the second half.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: MLB Network - Jon Heyman