Cost Certainty

Whit Merrifield didn't look the typical candidate for a long-term extension. Now 30, this late blooming multi-position player has impressed in his two full Kansas City seasons, twice leading the AL in stolen bases and in '18, having the most hits in the league. 
He impressed KC's front office enough to receive a four-year extension that buys out 2019 as well as his three arbitration-eligible seasons. Deals such as this help budget-consciuous teams plan ahead, especially if they don't expect a bump in TV revenue anytime soon.
Four years after their second World Series championship, the Royals are in the midst of a rebuild. And Merrifield, who made his big league debut at age 27, will be one of those KC builds around.
(My image of Merrifield is from the Royals/Yankees game on July 26th, 2018.)

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