Blue Jays Acquire Star Second Baseman in Trade with Royals

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired star second baseman Whit Merrifield from the Kansas City Royals for Samad Taylor and Max Castillo.

Sources confirm: Whit Merrifield to Blue Jays.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 2, 2022

Merrifield did not make the trip to Toronto a few weeks ago due to his unvaccinated status. One has to believe that will change now. 

The thirty-three-year-old is having a down year, batting just .240/.290/.352, with six home runs, 42 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases over 95 games. Over the last month, however, Merrifield has turned it on, batting .270, with three home runs, nine RBIs, and two stolen bases. 

The Royals receive right-handed pitcher Max Castillo, who has posted a 3.05 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts over 20 innings. However, in the minors this year, Castillo has been spectacular, posting a pristine 1.92 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, with 64 strikeouts in 56 innings. 

The Royals also receive the Blue Jays' number 16 team-ranked prospect Samad Taylor. In 70 games played at the Triple-A level this season, the second-baseman has hit.258, with nine home runs, 45 RBIs and 23 stolen bases.

Photo Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports