Three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield signs a one-year, $8 million contract with the Phillies.
The Phillies strengthened their lineup with contact and diversity.
According to Jon Heyman of The Post, Whit Merrifield and the Phillies have reached an agreement on a one-year, $8 million contract to bring him to the team.
A club option for a second season is included in the contract, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Having played six different positions on the pitch during his career, Merrifield has developed into a valuable player on both sides of the ball.
The 35-year-old, a two-time All-Star with the Royals, had a rough season in 2022 but recovered with the Blue Jays the following year to be nominated for an All-Star for the third time.
With 11 home runs and 67 RBIs, Merrifield slashed.272/.318/.382, helping Toronto secure a spot in the AL wild card round.
The Phillies have a batter who can make contact and limit strikeouts to a minimum with him because he also had a whiff rate that was in the 82nd percentile the previous season.
Originally a second baseman, he split his time with the Blue Jays equally between the middle infield and the outfield, appearing in 84 games at second and the same number in the outfield in 2023.
With Bryson Stott firmly established at second base, Merrifield should probably spend the most of his time in the outfield.
