Merrifield is having a down year, yes, but his numbers point to bad luck versus bad performance. He's currently sporting the 2nd highest walk rate of his career (7.7%), the second lowest strikeout rate (14.0%), and he is actually rated slightly above average in CF defense (+1 OAA, 5.9 UZR/150). His down year is the result of the lowest BABIP in his career (.266). Well below his previous low of .295. Merrifield is currently sporting a wOBA of .272, but his xwOBA is .332. That's a 60 point gap! Basically, he's playing good defense at a position of need, walking more, striking out less, and making solid contact. He is a prime candidate to turn his season around in a new, more competitive setting. His $7MM salary for this year isn't ultra cheap, but the prorated portion of it isn't that bad and he is under contract next year for a ridiculous $2.75MM. There is a mutual option for 2024 that's $18MM, but the buy out is only $500K, so that won't be an issue. As far as the Royals are concerned, they have a really good young core that is starting to come around, but they are still a few years away from being really competitive. It would be wise for them to try to get as much value out of their veterans now while they can. They already shipped Carlos Santana to the Mariners and I would expect they try to move other players with value soon. This deal might not get it done for them, but a similar deal should entice them. It could be a win-win for both teams and for the players involved.