Phillies Release 3-Time All-Star & Former MVP Candidate

July 12, 2024 , ,

The Philadelphia Phillies have made a notable move by releasing three-time All-Star and former MVP candidate Whit Merrifield, just three games before the All-Star break. 

Merrifield, who signed a one-year, $8 million contract in the offseason, was expected to bring hitting prowess and defensive versatility to the team. 

However, his performance fell short of expectations, with a disappointing .199/.277/.295 slash line, three home runs, eight extra-base hits, and 11 RBIs in 53 games. 

His struggles at the plate, significantly below the league average, led the Phillies to make this move.

Merrifield's departure comes as a slight surprise given his past successes, including leading the American League in hits in consecutive seasons and topping the league in stolen bases multiple times during his tenure with the Kansas City Royals. 

Last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, he posted a respectable .272/.318/.382 line with 11 homers and 26 steals. Despite his track record, the veteran utilityman has not been able to find his groove this season, and the Phillies' front office, led by Dave Dombrowski, appears to have lost confidence in Merrifield's ability to turn things around.

In Merrifield's place, the Phillies have called up Weston Wilson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley as they head into the second half of the season. 

This roster change hints at potential further moves before the trade deadline, as the Phillies seek to bolster their depth and strengthen their playoff push. 

Merrifield is now a free agent, available to sign with any team for the prorated league minimum.

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports



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