By Dexter Foley
The Philadelphia Phillies officially ink Whit Merrifield to a one-year, $8 million contract. Merrifield was apparently willing to take less money and potentially less playing time so that he could join Philadelphia’s roster.
When asked why he wanted to join the Phillies, this is what he had to say, “It checked a lot of boxes for me. The reputation of this team and this clubhouse gets around. Watching some of these playoff games in Philadelphia, I wanted to be a part of it. I’m really thrilled.” Merrifield chooses to take just a $7 million salary with a team option in 2025 and a potential $1 million buyout on top of that.
Talking to him though, he was more than willing to settle. He said, “I’ve been a three-time All-Star. I’ve led the league in hits a couple times. I’ve led the league in stolen bases. I’ve led the league in all these different things that I feel like I’ve proven that I’m here and that I can play.” He continued by stating, “II want to win, though, so I’m here to do whatever I need to do to win and to help this team win, whether it’s saying I should be the cheerleader for 162 games, I don’t think that’s why they brought me here, but if that’s what they want me to do, I just want to win.”
Philadelphia Phillies Got A Good One
Merrifield was with the Toronto Blue Jays a season ago, and he put up solid numbers at 35 years of age. He batted with a .272 average and smashed 11 home runs with 67 RBIs. According to teammates, he’s a “complete baseball player” and that he “plays the game the right way”. During the course of his career, he’s achieved all of the feats that he’s discussed, such as leading the American League in stolen bases three different times. The real concern was whether or not Merrifield would accept a contract of this size and length, while also knowing the type of role he’d have on the team. Luckily, he’s ready to win, and he’s ready to do it in 2024.
