Phillies Release Whit Merrifield
Former All-Star Traded to Guardians
Merrifield Signs One-Year Deal with Cleveland
The Philadelphia Phillies have released veteran infielder Whit Merrifield, the team announced Friday. The move comes less than five months after Merrifield signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Phillies.
Merrifield, 34, was a three-time All-Star with the Kansas City Royals before being traded to the Phillies in November. He struggled at the plate in Philadelphia, batting just .250 with four home runs and 24 RBIs in 93 games.
The Phillies reportedly released Merrifield to clear a roster spot for outfielder Brandon Marsh, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Merrifield is expected to sign a one-year contract with the Cleveland Guardians, according to multiple reports.
Merrifield's release is a reminder that even established players can be expendable in the harsh reality of professional sports. The Phillies are hoping that Marsh will provide more production than Merrifield, but there's no guarantee that he will be any more successful in Philadelphia.
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