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Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Whit Merrifield officially retires from MLB after nine seasons
The post Whit Merrifield officially retires from MLB after nine seasons appeared first on ClutchPoints. Whit Merrifield spent nine seasons in Major League Baseball from 2016 to 2024. After the Kansas City Royals gave the outfielder a chance, Merrifield took it and never looked back. However, the Philadelphia Phillies released Merrifield in 2024 and he was never able to recover. Advertisement In a heartfelt announcement made by Warner Sports Management, his agency, the former All-Star officially announced his retirement. Merrifield finished last season with the Atlanta Braves, but has been a free agent since the offseason began. With the 2025 MLB season ready to move into its third full month, the 35-year-old remained unsigned. His retirement comes after last season showed that he has lost a step. Merrifield's message to fans expressed his appreciation for them. He explained that the birth of his first child was the main factor in his decision, but he will miss playing professional baseball. 'Many factors played a role in my decision, but the main one was a 6 pound 6 ounce gift from God my wife and I were blessed with in March of 2024,' Merrifield said. '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 realized that I can no longer give that effort. At this point in life, I'd much rather chase around a toddler than chase sliders.' Advertisement Merrifield leaves a complex legacy in each location he played in. He thanked the Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Atlanta Braves for adding him to their rosters. However, he apologized to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he underperformed early last season. 'KC, you became a second home to my family and I,' Merrifield said. 'Nothing compares to a first love. Toronto, playing for an entire country was an honor I'll never forget. Philly, I like you way more than you liked me. Sorry I stunk for you. And Atlanta, it was the joy of a lifetime to play and end my career with my childhood team.' Merrifield reflected on his career, saying his only regret was never winning a championship. He was an All-Star twice in Kansas City and once in Toronto, but he never made it to the world series. Later in his career, Merrifield became a valuable veteran, offering his thoughts on what was happening in the baseball world, using his experience to help young players. MLB history will remember Merrifield as one of the best base runners of his era. However, Royals and Blue Jays fans will look back fondly on his tenure with their team. Related: Phillies' Ranger Suarez makes insane grab vs. Astros Related: Mets fans react as Frankie Montas silences doubters, shuts down Braves in season debut
Reuters
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield retires after 9 seasons
June 24 - Whit Merrifield, a three-time MLB All-Star who last played for the Atlanta Braves in 2024, announced his retirement Tuesday after nine years in the big leagues. In a statement released through his agency, Warner Sports Management, Merrifield cited his family -- namely a daughter born in March 2024 -- as a reason to step away. "I was never talented enough to just show up and play," Merrifield said. "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 36-year-old infielder, a ninth-round selection of the Kansas City Royals in 2010, spent more than six seasons in the minor leagues before making his major league debut at age 27 in 2016. Merrifield ends his career with 1,249 hits -- including 94 home runs and 256 doubles -- and a .280 batting average in 1,147 games. He led the American League in stolen bases three times, finishing his career with 218 swipes. "Since I've now had some time away from the game, I've had a chance to reflect on my individual career for the first time in my life," Merrifield said. "I'm proud of myself. The toughness I developed and the things I was able to accomplish, nobody outside of my camp thought possible." Merrifield quickly established himself as a premier player for Kansas City after his call-up, earning MVP votes in 2018 after batting a career-best .304. He followed that up in 2019 with a .302 season that was highlighted by his first All-Star nod. He added another All-Star selection in 2021 and a third in 2023 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. Merrifield signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024 but was released after batting .199 in 53 games. He finished the year with the Braves, with whom he hit .248. "I loved all the moments," Merrifield said. "All the highs and even all the lows. I'm grateful for the way this game molded me. I can't wait to tell my story to my daughter one day." --Field Level Media
