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Chicago Cubs: Everyone who follows the Cubs would love to solve that leadoff issue permanently
Kansas City Royals utility man Whit Merrifield will be a hot commodity at this year’s trade deadline. The speedy 30-year old Merrifield is hitting .303/.350/.506 with 11 homers and is at a 122 wRC+ on the season. Merrifield is a career .295/.344/.449 hitter with 98 stolen bases in 546 games.
The Royals have made it clear they are going to sell, which they should, considering they are well on their way to 100 losses. Merrifield would be perfect for the Cubs leadoff spot. He gets on base at a solid clip and has some pop in the bat. While stealing bases is not as much of a factor in today’s game, it is never a bad thing to have a guy who can fly. Especially considering the Cubs do not have many speedsters on the team.
Now this will not come at a reasonable price; it will require a pay-up. Multiple assets could be involved by whoever trades for him. It is also worth noting he is under contract through 2022 with a 2023 club option, so he is not a rental. This would be a short and longterm solution for any team that gets him via trade. The question is, do the Cubs have what it takes?