MLB Rumors: Chances of Whit Merrifield Trade "More Than Ever Before"

He's been long considered "available"... Even going back a couple of years. The Kansas City Royals' hit machine, Whit Merrifield, can be had for the right price, the story has always gone. But now, reports say that the chances of Merrifield being traded are "more than ever before." 

MLB Insider Jon Heyman writes "the Royals are talking “more seriously” about the versatile Whit Merrifield in trade discussions than ever before, one rival exec said."

With still one more year before free agency, Merrifield is having the first 'down' of his 7-year career season with the Royals, hitting just .232, down 55 points from his career average of .286. His OPS of .596 is also down about 150 points from his career. 

But the 33-year-old has enough credit in the bank that teams know what he's capable of. He's led the American League in stolen bases three times in his career, twice topping the 40 mark, including last season.

It should be interesting to see how much the Royals can get in a package for Merrifield.

Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports