The Kansas City Royals have traded two-time All-Star second baseman/outfielder Whit Merrifield to the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays are sending right-hander Max Castillo, who has split time between Toronto and triple-A Buffalo, and minor-league second baseman Samad Taylor to the Royals in the deal.
The Royals have exercised their club option on Merrifield’s contract for 2023 and there is an $18 million mutual option for 2024.
Merrifield is slashing .240/.290/.352 with six homers and 42 RBI this year.
The 33-year-old was an All-Star in 2019 and ’21 and led the American League in stolen bases in ’17, ’18 and ’21. He will provide some injury insurance for George Springer, who is out of the lineup again Tuesday with an elbow injury.
Merrifield did not travel to Toronto for a series last month because he is unvaccinated against COVID-19.
He later apologized for “poorly articulated” comments about the vaccine and said he would be open to getting the shot to compete in the playoffs.
“Right or wrong, I didn’t do it on a whim,” Merrifield said. “It’s been a long thought process. Because I understand what Canada has in place right now. That’s the only reason that I would think about getting it at this point, is to go to Canada. That might change down the road. Something happens and I happen to get on a team that has a chance to go play in Canada in the postseason, maybe that changes.
Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 situation, in sports and around the world, is constantly evolving. Readers in Canada can consult the country’s public health website for the latest.
Earlier in the day, the Blue Jays added a trio of pitchers in trades. From the Marlins they acquired right-handers Anthony Bass and Zach Pop while from the Dodgers they acquired right-hander Mitch White.
