Royals Hoping to Offload Nearly Everyone But Whit Merrifield in Midseason Roster Shakeup

Once August 1 rolls around, the Kansas City Royals are going to look a lot different.

With Ned Yost's group holding firmly to last place in the AL Central, the Royals have moved into full fire sale mode, with the first trade of this impending mass exodus coming just minutes ago, when starter Homer Bailey was dealt to the Oakland Athletics. If your name is not Whit Merrifield, expect Dayton Moore to explore trading you.

The 30-year-old Merrifield has led the AL in steals the last two years, paced the Junior Circuit with 192 hits last year, and is currently slated to lead that category again, as he has 120 hits through 93 games. On top of everything, he made his first All-Star team this season.

While Merrifield would command the biggest return, the Royals need to hold on to SOMEONE for 2020 and beyond while they wait for the likes of Bobby Witt Jr. to come up. One name that contenders should keep on their radar is outfielder Jorge Soler, who just slugged his 25th home run of the season. Hunter Dozier remains another quality option.

Given how much Moore wants to sell, we may see the entirety of the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers in the MLB late this year.