Former Toronto Blue Jays 3 time All-Star announces his retirement
Photo credit: https://www.tsn.ca/mlb
Former Toronto Blue Jays infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield has announced his retirement, via his agency at Warner Sports Management.
Whit Merrifield has announced his retirement after 9 seasons spent with the Royals, Blue Jays, Phillies and Braves.
He was an All-Star in 2019, 2021 and 2023. He also led the Majors in hits in back-to-back seasons (2018-19)
A former Blue Jays All-Star has decided the time has come to hang up his cleats
Second baseman and outfielder Whit Merrifield announced on Tuesday that he has retired from professional baseball after nine seasons in MLB.
Merrifield, 35, is currently a free agent after going unsigned over the off-season. He last suited up for the Atlanta Braves in the 2024 season and said that he made the decision to retire "a while back," saying his daughter, born in March of 2024, became his No. 1 priority.
"When it came down to it, it was an easy decision," Merrifield said in a statement. "Many factors played a [role] in my decision, but the main one was a six-pound, six-ounce gift from God 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."
The Florence, S.C. native split his nine seasons in MLB between the Kansas City Royals, Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and Braves.
He took the time to thank each franchise he played for in his retirement message.
"Toronto, playing for an entire country was an honour I'll never forget," Merrifield said.
In that time, he suited up for 1,147 games and put up a .280 batting average with a .741 OPS. He slugged 94 home runs and stole 218 bases.
Merrifield was named an All-Star for the third time in his career in 2023 while with the Blue Jays and led the team in stolen bags with 26.
He was named an All-Star in the 2019 and 2021 seasons as well while still a member of the Royals. He led MLB in doubles (42) and led the American League in stolen bases (40) in 2021.
Drafted by the Royals in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB Draft, Merrifield didn't make his debut until the 2016 season when he was 27 years old.
"I loved all the moments. All the highs and even the lows. I'm grateful for the way this game moulded me. I can't wait to tell my story to my daughter one day. What a ride. Thanks for everything."
We at Toronto Blue Jays Central wish Whit Merrifield a happy retirement and the best of luck in his future endeavors.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 24 | 187 ANSWERS Former Toronto Blue Jays 3 time All-Star announces his retirement Was it a good time for Whit Merrifield to retire or should he have played a 10th season? | ||
| Yes retirement | 131 | 70.1 % |
| No 10th Season | 56 | 29.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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