At the 2022 trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays added Whit Merrifield from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for two prospects. Now, Merrifield has signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, according toperhaps Jeff Passan of ESPN. Merrifield will earn a $7 million base salary in 2024, with an $8 million club option or a $1 million buyout for 2025. The deal also includes a bonus and awards package. Merrifield is coming off a four-year, $16.25 million contract. The deal was signed when he was with the Royals, but his option lied between him and the Blue Jays, with a buyout worth $500,000.
Whit Merrifield Heads to the NL East
In 189 games with Toronto, Merrifield slashed .274/.319/.394 with 16 home runs, 67 RBI and 27 stolen bases. Despite being named an All-Star lasts season, the Blue Jays opted out of Merrifield’s contract. If they didn’t, they would have paid him $18 million in 2024. He hit free agency entering his age 35 season. When he’s healthy, Merrifield will give the team a quality bat with speed on the basepaths. He’s lead the American League in stolen bases on three different occasions, including a league-leading 45 in 2018 with Kansas City.
He made $6.75 million with the Blue Jays last season. It may not take much more than to have him as a depth piece for 2024. That makes Merrifield an intriguing option with postion flex and a solid track record as a career .284 hitter. His usefullness as a utility player did garner some interest for teams who wanted his serves. Defensively, he can split time bewteen second base and the outfield, particuarly in left field for the Phillies. He did have a few spot moments in center field in 2022 too. A team like this city who was looking for a veteran right-handed all this time and they finally got him. Altogether, the team will be pleased with their newest addition to the roster.
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