MLB Rumors: Top 3 Free Agent Destinations for Whit Merrifield

After displaying his speed and versatility once again with the Toronto Blue Jays, Whit Merrifield will now enter free agency, looking to bring those skills to a new location. Both Merrifield and the Jays declined their mutual $18M option for 2024.

The former Kansas City Royals speedster hit .272 this past year, with 27 doubles, 11 home runs and 26 stolen bases. He played both second base and left field for Toronto. 

His most likely destination for 2024 will be a contending team looking for that ideal 10th man—a solid utility bat with versatility. Let's have a look at three teams that fit the bill for a Merrifield landing spot in free agency:

Tampa Bay Rays

Merrifield just seems like a Tampa Bay type of player, doesn't he? Can do a lot of things on the baseball field, can play some defense here and there, can handle the bat and can run the bases. 

The Rays could be without star shortstop Wander Franco for a while while his messy legal problems are dealt with, so the team is one man short in the middle infield, where Merrifield can help fill a role at second base. It certainly seems like a logical spot for him to land. 

Minnesota Twins

The Twins have plenty of injury-prone players on their infield, like Royce Lewis, Jorge Polanco, Carlos Correa and Alex Kirilloff. And in the outfield, they have Byron Buxton, the King of the injured list. Wouldn't it make sense for this team to brig in a player like Merrifield who can step right in and soak up plenty of at-bats and time in the field at a few positions? 

Miami Marlins

Another contending team always looking for a not-too-expensive free agent. With DH/OF Jorge Soler opting out of his contract to become a free agent, the Fish will be looking for a bat to fill some DH at-bats and some in the outfield where Jazz Chisholm will undoubtedly be spending his annual big chunks of time on the injured list. 

Going into his age-35 season, Merrifield won't break the bank. Just what the Marlins are looking for. 

Photo: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports