Kansas City Royals fans have mixed reaction to news of Whit Merrifield being traded
Whit Merrifield will play in Toronto after all.
Merrifield, the second baseman/outfielder, was one of 10 unvaccinated Royals players who didn’t — actually, couldn’t — make the trip to Toronto last month for a four-game series against the Blue Jays.
Merrifield was traded on Tuesday to the Blue Jays. The assumption is Merrifield would get the vaccine that would allow him to enter Canada.
Merrifield enraged some Royals fans when he said last month he would consider being vaccinated if it meant he could play in the postseason. He hoped it would be with the Royals, but it appears he’ll have a better chance with the Blue Jays, who lead the American League Wild Card race.
In seven seasons with the Royals, Merrifield made a pair of All-Star appearances and twice led the league in hits. Royals fans had a mixed reaction to news of the Merrifield trade. Here is a sample of what was being said by fans on Twitter and Reddit.
And a terrible person. Glad he’s off the team.
— Exodor (@Exodor) August 2, 2022
Good riddance, Whit. Solid career with the Royals for Merrifield until this year. #Royals https://t.co/fpZgxhz1N0
— Andrew Curtis (@AndrewCurtis24) August 2, 2022
One Reddit user wrote: “I know everyone here hates him now but I’m gonna miss him. Other than Salvy, he was the most fun thing about this team the last 5 years. I loved watching him rip off bags.”
Another joked: “This may be the best moment of the season for me.”
Pretty fitting he has to get a shot…..lol
— Albert J. Hobson, Jr (@scooterhob) August 2, 2022
Big move for @WhitMerrifield, wishing you all the best. @Royals won’t be the same without you
— Johnathan Torgerson (@_Johnathan_T) August 2, 2022
Well, this stinks!
— Tammy Hart (@Tammy_Hart) August 2, 2022
Good riddance
— Kevin Koopman (@Nebercracker) August 2, 2022
On Reddit a fan wrote: “Living in the past. Dude has 18 SBs this year and every other category has declined over the last 4 years. He’s 33. As a speed guy, his best days are far behind him.”
Another wrote: “Thanks Whit for being one of the few bright spots over the last few years. Always a great example of someone who worked hard and sweated it out in the minors and made the most of his opportunity. I know things didn’t end on a high note but I wish him the best.”
Nah
— Bayou Billy Butler (@BayouBillButler) August 2, 2022
Thank you @WhitMerrifield for the great baseball you played during your time with the Royals! Wish you the best north of the border.
— Dave Collins (@DaveCollins_88) August 2, 2022
Whit Merrifield was a ray of light on some very bad #Royals teams and it was fun watching him play. It’s not his fault he should have been traded three years ago. I’m glad he got his 1,000th hit before he was traded.
I’m also damn glad he’s gone.— David Lesky (@DBLesky) August 2, 2022
I am disappointed about this trade! I’m glad that I was able to take my kids to KC last week and he caught a ball and Whit threw into the stands! I wish you the best Whit!
— Michael Mills (@MichaelMills07) August 2, 2022
On Reddit a fan wrote: “I’m gonna miss him”
Another responded: “The feeling isn’t mutual. This team and town aren’t good enough for him”
Amazing how people forget Whit being practically the line bright spot on this squad for years.
— Greg Kirkpatrick (@kirkpatrick1004) August 2, 2022