This Cubs-Royals Trade for Whit Merrifield Could Actually Work

The Chicago Cubs have had their eyes on Whit Merrifield ever since Ben Zobrist started missing time in 2019. The second base position quickly became a massive hole for them, and they've been looking for help for quite some time.

Obviously, the Kansas City Royals' price has been steep. Considering how good Merrifield has been and how friendly of a contract he's under, it's only natural that that's the case. But every team has a price, and the Cubs can certainly pay it.

Whit Merrifield Contract

Merrifield undoubtedly has one of the most team-friendly deals in all of baseball. Starting in 2020, he'll enter a four-year, $16.25 million contract, which is an absolute steal considering he's led the league in hits in each of the last two seasons.

It would take quite a package to get him, though, and it would most likely have to be headlined by cost-controlled rising star Nico Hoerner.

Hoerner ranks among the most tantalizing prospects in all of baseball. A shortstop by trade, he has the glove to play second base as and possesses the offensive potential to help eventually pick up where Merrifield left off.

It would also likely take a big-league name like Kyle Schwarber to get things done. Schwarber would help offset the loss of one of the most consistent hitters in baseball in the best possible way. After all, he's managed an impressive .829 OPS for his career.

In exchange, the Cubs would be getting a consistent .300 hitter with positional versatility who's on an amazing deal. He'd be even better for them than Zobrist ever was.

It might feel like a lot for the Cubs to give up, but they could offer up just the right package to finally pry Merrifield away from the Royals and upgrade in a big way.