Stat of the Day: Another wHit Record

Merrifield is the second right-handed batter ever to lead the Majors in hits in consecutive seasons

Whit Merrifield led the Majors with 206 hits in 2019, matching Mike Sweeney (2000) for sixth most in Royals history. After leading the Majors with 192 hits in 2018, he became the second right-handed batter ever to lead the Majors in hits in consecutive seasons, joining Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, who did it from 1988–89.

Merrifield is the first player, regardless or handedness, to lead the Majors in hits in consecutive seasons since Ichiro Suzuki from 2006–10, and he’s the second Royal to turn the trick, joining George Brett (1975–76).