Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield took years to reach the show after being selected 269th overall in the 2010 draft. When he finally arrived in 2016, it didn't take much longer for him to make an impact.

Merrifield broke out in a big way in 2017, batting .288/.324/.460 with 19 home runs and 34 stolen bases. He followed that up by approaching the club about a possible extension during the offseason, he told Rustin Dodd of The Athletic.

So far, that request has gone unfulfilled, but the 29-year-old remains optimistic.

"I love Kansas City," Merrifield said. "I love the fans. I love playing at Kauffman Stadium … Hopefully, it's something that could be possible down the road."

General manager Dayton Moore didn't discuss the request, citing team policy, but said he's impressed with Merrifield's development and continuing success.

Moore may not be alone in that. The Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers have reportedly shown interest in possibly acquiring Merrifield at the trade deadline.

Due to Merrifield's relatively late debut in the majors, he won't be eligible for arbitration until after 2019 and isn't slated to be a free agent until 2023, when he will be 34. An extension covering his arbitration years would be to his financial benefit, but with the Royals entering a rebuild, a trade seems more likely.

Through 86 games this season, Merrifield is batting .303/.369/.427 with five home runs and 16 stolen bases.