Report: Royals more open to trading Merrifield

The Kansas City Royals are more willing than in previous seasons to trade second baseman Whit Merrifield, according to Jayson Stark and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Merrifield is slashing .272/.321/.405 with eight home runs, 51 RBIs, and an MLB-leading 24 stolen bases during his second All-Star campaign. He's also under contract through the 2023 season on a team-friendly deal.

The Royals (38-55) have plummeted after a solid start following a strong offseason that saw the club land Mike Minor, Carlos Santana, and Andrew Benintendi. The team has gone 22-46 since starting the season 16-9, and Kansas City is last in the AL Central.

The MLB trade deadline is July 30.