Superutilityman Whit Merrifield and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a major league deal, sources tell ESPN. Merrifield was released recently by Philadelphia. He’ll join the Braves today and help provide depth after the injury to All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies.
Former Blue Jay Whit Merrifield signed a major league deal with the Atlanta Braves
Photo credit: © Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2024, 18:00 EDTUpdated: Jul 22, 2024, 17:57 EDT
A former Toronto Blue Jay has found a new home.
It was announced on Monday that Whit Merrifield signed a major league deal with the Atlanta Braves. This comes 10 days after he was released by their National League East rival, the Philadelphia Phillies.
Merrifield has had a rough 2024, as he’s slashing .199/.277/.295 with three home runs in 174 plate appearances for a career-worst 65 wRC+. The National League East leading Phillies saw no need for this, as they released him on July 12.
It’s a far cry from his performance with the Jays. After Toronto acquired him at the 2022 deadline in exchange for prospects Samad Taylor and Max Castillo, Merrifield slashed .281/.323/.446 with five homers in 130 plate appearances for 120 wRC+.
His performance helped the Blue Jays reach the postseason for the first time since 2020, and the 2022 postseason was the first time Merrifield appeared in a postseason game, as he joined the Royals one season after their World Series win in 2015.
Merrifield had a terrific start to his 2023 season, including earning a trip to his third All-Star game. Overall, the utility player finished 2023 slashing .272/.318/.382 with 11 homers in 592 plate appearances for a 93 wRC+, and signed with the Phillies in February of this year.
⭐️ Merri' WHITsmas ⭐️ Merrifield's a THREE-time All-Star!
It’s likely that the Braves signed Merrifield because of the injury to Ozzie Albies that he sustained on Sunday, fracturing his wrist attempting to catch a ball on a stolen base play. The Braves also called up their top position player prospect, Nacho Alvarez Jr., to fill the gap.
After signing with the Braves, Merrifield was warming up at Truist Park on Monday and took a ball off his fingers and is being evaluated by team doctors. That’s some pretty crappy luck, if you ask me.
"Can't make it up." Whit Merrifield arrived in Atlanta today after being signed to help cover injuries ... then he gets injured taking a ball off a finger on his throwing hand while warming up.
Still, Merrifield will have an opportunity to challenge for a World Series, as the Braves currently occupy the first Wild Card spot in the National League. Moreover, the Braves are 8.5 games behind the Phillies for the National League East crown, but may be a little bit too far out of that race.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
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