Merrifield has been a steady contributor throughout his career, largely as a member of the Kansas City Royals. The 35-year-old has been named to the All-Star team three times, most recently last season with the Toronto Blue Jays. He hit .272 with 11 home runs and 26 stolen bases for Toronto in 2023 while splitting time between left field and second base.
It has been a fairly quiet offseason for the Phillies after one big move to start the winter, but this is a nice addition this late in the process. Expect him to play regularly as an insurance policy at virtually every position.
The Philadelphia Phillies have reached a contract agreement with utility infielder Whit Merrifield, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Friday.
The agreement is for a one-year, $8 million deal that includes an $8 million club option for 2025 with a $1 million buyout, a second person told the AP.
The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet announced.
The 35-year-old Merrifield is a three-time All-Star and hit .272 with 11 home runs and 67 RBIs last season with the Toronto Blue Jays. He has 201 stolen bases and led the American League with the Kansas City Royals three times. He topped the AL with 206 hits and 10 triples in 2019.
Merrifield should provide a solid right-handed bat off the bench and also play the outfield. The Phillies entered spring training without starting left fielder Brandon Marsh, who had left knee surgery last week that was expected to sideline him for three-to-four weeks.
