Blue Jays acquire Whit Merrifield in trade with Royals

Merrifield, a two-time All-Star, has been a key part of the Royals' success in recent years

The Blue Jays are hoping that Merrifield can help them make a playoff push

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired infielder Whit Merrifield from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-hander Max Castillo and minor league infielder Samad Taylor. Merrifield, a two-time All-Star, has been a key part of the Royals' success in recent years, and the Blue Jays are hoping that he can help them make a playoff push.

Merrifield is a versatile player who can play all over the infield and outfield. He is also a good hitter, with a career batting average of .290. He has also stolen at least 20 bases in each of the past four seasons.

The Royals have been reluctant to trade Merrifield in the past, but they finally decided to move him after he did not travel with the team to Toronto for a series last month because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19. The Blue Jays are not requiring their players to be vaccinated, so Merrifield will be able to play in Toronto.

The Blue Jays are hoping that Merrifield can help them make a playoff push. They are currently in third place in the AL East, but they are only 1.5 games out of first place. Merrifield is a good player who can help the Blue Jays in a number of ways, and he could be the key to them making a run at the playoffs.