Whit Merrifield traded to Toronto for pair of prospects

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Royals do-it-all player Whit Merrifield has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Royals announced Tuesday afternoon that Merrifield, who was not able to play in Toronto two weeks ago because he was not vaccinated against COVID, was acquired for two minor league prospects.

The rise and fall of Whit Merrifield’s fan fare in Kansas City, with a potential #Royals Hall of Fame resume, is one of the more unique storylines KC sports has seen in some time. He only has himself to blame for his comments, but I think he genuinely did love KC. @KCTV5 https://t.co/c7sLrrMPbq
— Jared Koller (@JaredKCTV5) August 2, 2022

Merrifield was in his seventh season with Kansas City. He led Major League Baseball in at-bats during the 2019-2021 seasons, had the most hits in baseball during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, and he even was atop the baseball leaderboard in stolen bases in 2018. Merrifield was named to two All-Star teams in 2019 and 2020.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Royals will receive second baseman/outfield Samad Taylor, Toronto’s No. 16 prospect, and Max Castillo, a right-handed pitcher in Triple-A.

The trade is the Royals’ fourth starting position player transaction of the 2022 season. The club traded first baseman Carlos Santana to the Seattle Mariners, left fielder Andrew Benintendi to the New York Yankees and third baseman Emmanuel Rivera to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In total:#Royals out- Whit Merrifield, Andrew Benintendi, Cam Gallagher, Carlos Santana, Emmanuel Rivera, 35th pick
In- Drew Waters, Beck Way, TJ Sikkema, Andrew Hoffman, Brent Rooker, Samad Taylor, Max Castillo, L. Weaver, C. Champlain, W. Mills, W. Fleming, CJ Alexander @KCTV5
— Jared Koller (@JaredKCTV5) August 2, 2022