The Royals made a trade today sending Homer Bailey to the A’s for minor league SS Kevin Merrell. It’s being reported that Merrell will head to NWA and join the Naturals.

Merrell is a solid defender with speed. He isn’t having a great season with the bat but was a 1st round pick in 2017. The Royals would have seen him when he played against them with Midland in the Texas League this season.

Merrell was hitting .246/.292/.339 so far in 2019. He has 13 stolen bases in 17 attempts. He has 67 strikeouts and 18 walks in 318 plate appearances. So far in the minors Merrell is hitting .277/.322/.365. There is some potential in this trade and we will have more scouting reports for you soon.

Photo credit goes to Meghan Camino. Taken from Athletics Nation.