In July of 2018, the Phillies were looking around for infield help. They turned their attention to the Baltimore Orioles, who were shopping Manny Machado prior to him hitting free agency. The asking price was steep, so the Phillies looked elsewhere. Kansas City’s Whit Merrifield caught their attention and they did what they could to pry him away from the Royals, but were unsuccessful. His name came up a couple other times over the years, but KC didn’t trade him until the trade deadline in 2022 when they sent him to Toronto.

This offseason, Merrifield was a free agent and the Phillies had interest again, but the asking price – both in money and years – was higher than they wanted to go. Plus, Merrifield, 35, still viewed himself as an everyday player and the Phillies had no position to hand to him. Eventually, Merrifield was resigned to the fact that he was not going to get an everyday job with a team, so getting the years and the money was going to be tough, too. The final pitch from the Phillies was that he could become an important super-utility type player for a contending team if he was interested.

The pitch worked and the Phillies signed Merrifield to a one-year deal with a club option for 2025. The deal guarantees $7-million for 2024 with a $1-million buyout if the Phils decline the option. If the option is picked up, Merrifield will get $8-million next season.

As a right-handed hitter, Merrifield could spell Brandon Marsh in left field and Bryson Stott – both left-handed hitters – when either of them needs a break against a tough lefty. If Johan Rojas struggles in center, Merrifield could play left with Marsh in center. He could also spell Alec Bohm at third base. In other words, the Phillies convinced him that he could get a good amount of plate appearances in various positions.

Merrifield has played multiple positions throughout his career. With KC and Toronto in 2022, Merrifield played first, second, and all three outfield positions and even pitched an inning for the Blue Jays. The only positions he has not played in the majors are shortstop and catcher.

Merrifield is expected to report to the Phillies spring training complex in Clearwater, FL on Monday and undergo a physical before the contract becomes official.