Whit Merrifield’s extension with the Royals does both sides a huge favor.
Whit Merrifield’s career trajectory has been different than most.
A ninth-round selection in the 2010 MLB Draft, Merrifield has logged more time in the minor leagues than most players. Two years after he was drafted, he was made available in the Rule 5 Draft. There were no takers.
However, Whit Merrifield surprised the baseball world since making his debut at age 27. He has played above-average defense, sported an above-average bat, and he has managed to stay on the field healthy. Despite recording 1,700 plate appearances in Double-A and Triple-A combined, Merrifield managed to escape minor league purgatory.