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Former Blue Jays utilityman calls it a career

A former member of the Blue Jays who helped the team reach their last postseason trip has retired after nine seasons.
ByBryan Jaeger|
Sep 8, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Whit Merrifield (15) goes to throw a ball to a fan during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Whit Merrifield (15) goes to throw a ball to a fan during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

A three-time All-Star and two-year Toronto Blue Jay has decided to hang up his cleats. Whit Merrifield announced his retirement from Major League Baseball this week via a message on social media.

In his letter thanking fans, he states, "Hey guys," Merrifield said, "You all should know that I decided a while back to retire. When it came down to it, it was an easy decision. Many factors played a role in my decision, but the main one was a 6-pound, 6-ounce gift from God that my wife and I were blessed with in March of 2024. I was never talented enough to just show up and play. Baseball required my full focus and energy for me to compete at the level I wanted to, and I realize I can no longer give that effort. At this point in life, I'd much rather chase around a toddler than chase sliders."

Merrifield was a ninth-round pick for the Kansas City Royals in 2010. He was not known for his power but was a consistent contact hitter who caused havoc on the base paths. Another strong case for Merrifield was that he could play all over the field.

He made his MLB debut in May 2016 at the age of 27 and over his MLB career, he achieved 1,249 hits, hit 94 home runs, scored 632 runs, knocked in 485 runs, stole 218 bases, had a .280 batting average, and averaged a 99 wRC+. Merrifield would lead the AL in stolen bases three times over his career (2017, 2018, 2021).

In 2019, the utility player earned his big payday by signing a four-year $16.25 million contract with the Royals and made two All-Star appearances (2019 and 2021) after signing that deal. In 2022, before he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for Samad Taylor and Max Castillo, Merrifield was hitting .240/.290/.352. Neither minor leaguer panned out, so the Blue Jays easily won that exchange.

Merifield hit .274/.319/.394 with an OPS+ of 98 in his 189 games with Toronto. He had one last really productive season in 2023 with Toronto when he hit a solid .272/.318/.382 with 11 home runs and 149 hits in 145 games, as primarily the Blue Jays second baseman, although the played in the corner outfield spots as well and was named an All-Star, while helping the Blue Jays clinch a Wild Card playoff spot.

He reached free agency in 2024 and signed a one-year $8 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. In Philadelphia, Merrifield struggled mightily, slashing .199/.277/.295 with three home runs, 21 runs, 11 knocked in, and 11 stolen bases. Due to his struggles, he was released and later signed by the Atlanta Braves for the league minimum $740,000.

He hadn't been signed this offseason, which led to his decision to hang up his spikes. Although Merrifield was only in Toronto for two seasons, Blue Jays fans should be thankful to him for his services and wish him the best in the future.