As the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies battle for postseason spots, it appears both teams may have to compete against each other for a trade target as well.
Milwaukee and Philadelphia are both in need of help along the infield and their search for upgrades has spanned across the market. Now it seems they’ve each found a shared interest in a utility player.
According to Ken Rosenthal of MLB Network, both teams have checked in with the Kansas City Royals on Whit Merrifield.
#Phillies interested in #Royals INF/OF Whit Merrifield via trade, sources say. #Brewers also interested in Merrifield, according to @Ken_Rosenthal. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 7, 2018
Merrifield is a 29-year-old utility fielder who broke out last season for Kansas City. In 2017, he slashed .288/.324/.460 with 19 home runs, 34 stolen bases and 32 doubles. He has been just as good this season with a .290/.359/.414 slash, 16 stolen bases and 25 doubles.
The right-handed batter has experience all over the field. While his experience is most limited at third base, he has played 31 innings there and could fill a hole for the Phillies. He most often plays second base, which would fill a major area of need for Milwaukee.
While Mike Moustakas has the bigger profile, Merrifield’s versatility and numbers might make him the most attractive and desired trade target from Kansas City this month.