The Phillies’ offseason isn’t done just yet. A few days after Philadelphia signed starter Spencer Turnbull on a one-year deal, the Phillies added former Blue Jays infielder Whit Merrifield on a one-year deal.
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A Look at Merrifield
The 2023 season was a strong one for veteran infielder Whit Merrifield, who made it to the All-Star Game for the third time in his career last season with Toronto.
Across 145 games, Merrifield, who played next to Bo Bichette in Toronto’s middle infield, hit .272/.318/.382 with 11 home runs, 38 extra-base hits, and 26 stolen bases.
Merrifield is not a power hitter but the 35-year-old has cracked double-digits in home runs in every full season since 2017. The 35-year-old’s two best attributes, though, are his contact skills and speed.
While Merrifield will chase, the 35-year-old has a smooth approach that allows him to make consistent contact. He can catch up to velocity well and keeps his hands and bat controlled. Hence, it’s not a shock to see Merrifield post Whiff% rates south of 20% in each of the last four seasons.
Speed-wise, Merrifield’s sprint speed ranked in the 85th percentile last season per Statcast, and the new Phillie has routinely been one of the better stolen base men in the game since 2017.
Per MLB.com, Whit Merrifield will head to the Phillies on a one-year deal worth $8MM.
Analysis
It’s a curious move for the Phillies, as Philadelphia does come into camp with a strong middle infield duo in Trea Turner and Bryson Stott. However, Merrifield —who we ranked as the 13th-best hitter available in free agency this winter — does add some depth for Philadelphia.
Merrifield can spell Stott at second on some days, and it’s worth noting that the 35-year-old does have experience at first and all three outfield positions. Because Merrifield can play left and center, it’s fair to think that the ex-Blue Jay could see a good amount of time in the outfield come 2024.
With Kyle Schwarber set to be the team’s regular DH and Nick Castellanos entrenched in right, Philadelphia does have two question marks in Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas.
For Marsh, it’s health; he recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier in the month. And for Rojas, the young outfield showed plenty of range and defensive prowess last season but his bat is still an unknown. The 23-year-old batted .302/.342/.430 last season in 164 plate appearances but Merrifield — who strikes out and chases less — is the more polished bat.