Former Blue Jays, Royals Utility Man Whit Merrifield Signs With Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies and free agent utility man Whit Merrifield have agreed to a contract, according to multiple reports Friday afternoon.
Foul Territory was first to report the deal.
As was corroborated by several ensuing reports, Merrifield's base salary will be $7 million in 2024. He has an $8 million club option for 2025, which features a $1 million buyout.
Reports surfaced earlier this week that Merrifield intended to make his free agency decision this weekend, just as position players were set to report to Spring Training across the league.
The 35-year-old second baseman-turned-corner outfielder made good on that info, inking a deal with the Phillies to join his third team in three seasons.
Merrifield rose to stardom with the Kansas City Royals, debuting in 2016. He led the AL in games played, at-bats and stolen bases three times, hits twice, doubles once and triples once.
After earning scattered MVP votes in 2018, Merrifield made his first All-Star Game in 2019. He earned another spot in 2021, then got traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022.
Merrifield made another All-Star Game this past season, racking up 11 home runs, 67 RBI and 26 stolen bases. His final batting average and OPS of .272 and .700 were dragged down by a rough finish to 2023, considering he was hitting .304 with a .781 OPS through Aug. 15.
Over the course of his career, Merrifield has recorded 1,184 hits, 90 home runs, 470 RBI, 201 stolen bases and a 17.9 WAR. The righty is a .284 career hitter with a .750 OPS.
As for how he projects to fit in with the Phillies, Merrifield could fit into a platoon at multiple positions. Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh – both 26-year-old left-handed hitters – were in line to start at second base and left field, respectively, before Merrifield's arrival.
If he can't win a starting job by Opening Day, Merrifield could, at the very least, eat up a good chunk of at-bats at each of those positions.
The Blue Jays had effectively moved on from Merrifield already, so his official departure to Philadelphia likely won't change Toronto's plans between now and Opening Day.
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