Three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield signed a one-year deal this offseason with the Philadelphia Phillies in hopes of playing a big role on a contender. But on Friday, that all came crashing down after what has been a poor start to the 2024 season.
Coming off an All-Star appearance last season, there were expectations that a player like Merrifield could make an already great Phillies lineup even better this season.
Instead, Merrifield has been more of a liability to the Phillies this season than an asset, hitting for just a .199 batting average on the year with a .277 on-base percentage.
This led to the Phillies making the tough decision to release Merrifield on Friday, filling his spot on the 26-man roster with Lehigh Valley utility player Weston Wilson.
Prior to tonight’s game against the Oakland Athletics, the Phillies released utility player Whit Merrifield. To fill his spot on the 26-man roster, infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson was recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA).
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 12, 2024
It remains to be seen where Merrifield will go from here. Perhaps the Phillies just weren’t the best fit for him, as his stats on the year are far worse than any other year throughout the nine-year duration of his MLB career.
We could see another team in need of a player like Merrifield, who has experience playing multiple positions in the infield and outfield in the past, make a move for him now that he is available.
Regardless, the 35-year-old former Phillies infielder hasn’t shown much life this season. So whatever team does end up taking a chance on him in free agency is seemingly taking a bit of a leap of faith that Merrifield can return to his production of the past.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.