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Atlanta Braves: How about a Royal addition to the lineup?

By Matthew Browning

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 14: Whit Merrifield #15 of the Kansas City Royals follows through on an RBI triple that scored Nicky Lopez #1 in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by John Sleezer/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 14: Whit Merrifield #15 of the Kansas City Royals follows through on an RBI triple that scored Nicky Lopez #1 in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by John Sleezer/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves are still in need for a power bat, but perhaps adding a versatile bat to lengthen the lineup can help offset the lack of a big bat?

In a story Jake wrote over the weekend about outfield options for the Atlanta Braves, he mentioned a certain outfielder from the Kansas City Royals that would be a nice addition to the lineup, even though he isn’t the big bopper we are all hoping for.

Whit Merrifield was a first-time all-star in 2019 for the Royals, splitting the majority of his time between second base (82 games) and center field (61 games). However, he has played all over the diamond, so putting him in left field would not be a problem.

While he does not posses the power the Braves’ lineup currently needs, Merrifield’s bat does add length to their lineup… along with speed, hitting, ability to get on base, etc…

Last season, Merrifield led the AL with 206 hits and 67 of those were of the extra-base variety. He hit .302, with an OPS of .811, OPS-plus of 112 and a WAR of 4.0.

Merrifield’s contract is incredibly team-friendly, which is why the prospect return will be really significant. Despite being 30 years old, Merrifield was a late-bloomer and his bat is likely to not drastically regress over the duration of the contract.

In 2020, Merrifield will make only $5 million, with his salaries in 2021 and 2022 being $6.7 million and $2.7 million respectively. There is a possibility of adding $2 million to each salary in 2021 and 2022 with incentives. Merrifield has a $10.5 million team option in 2023.

Like I said earlier, Merrifield’s production and contract will make the Royals’ demand in prospects perhaps unrealistic.

In fact, the Royals have been consistently hesitant whenever asked about trading Merrifield. They seem to think they are close to contending, which just don’t see.

Nevertheless, an offer might look like this:

What would Merrifield’s addition do to the lineup? That is an interesting question.

At first-glance, it might shake out like this:

  • RF-Acuna
  • LF-Merrifield
  • 1B-Freeman
  • 2B-Albies
  • C-D’Arnaud
  • SS-Swanson
  • 3B-Camargo
  • CF-Inciarte

There is not a ton of power to that lineup, but my goodness it is dynamic.

Next. A Decade of Pitching. dark

I still think the Braves acquire a power bat of some kind, but looking to a bat like Merrifield’s wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

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