Royals' Whit Merrifield: In the mix at second base for Royals in '17

Merrifield is among the candidates being considered for the Royals' second base job in 2017, the Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis:

The Royals will likely face significant financial restrictions in their bid to upgrade the roster this winter, leaving second base as a position where internal options may have an open competition for the starting job in spring training. In addition to Merrifield, the Royals are considering Cheslor Cuthbert, Christian Colon, and Raul Mondesi for the job. Merrifield hit .283/.323/.392 with two homers and eight steals in 81 games, but he seems better suited for a part-time role as he'll turn 28 in January.