DONE DEAL: A contract deal has been reached between the Philadelphia Phillies and utility infielder…
Whit Merrifield, a utility infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, and the team have come to a contract agreement, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday.
A second source informed the AP that the arrangement is for a $8 million, one-year contract with a $8 million club option for 2025 and a $1 million buyout.
As the agreement had not been announced, the individuals spoke to the AP under condition of anonymity.
Three-time All-Star Merrifield, 35, hit.272 last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, including 11 home runs and 67 RBIs. With the Kansas City Royals, he led the American League three times and had 201 stolen bases. With 206 hits and 10 triples in 2019, he led the AL.
Merrifield can play outfield as well as give a reliable right-handed bat off the bench. With left knee surgery last week that was projected to keep him out for three to four weeks, Brandon Marsh, the starting left fielder for the Phillies, did not report for spring training.Merrifield was an outfielder last season but has spent most of his time at second base for the Royals. With Kansas City from 2019 to 21, he participated in every game, demonstrating his dependability.
His $18 million mutual option for 2024 was turned down by Merrifield and Toronto, making him a free agent.
The Phillies, who lost to Arizona in seven games in the previous season, are returning for their second straight trip to the NL Championship Series. Aside from locking down star Aaron Nola to a $172 million, seven-year contract, they have had a quiet offseason.
