Veteran second baseman and three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield has always made sense for the New York Yankees.
There’s no better time for the two sides to finally unite.
Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu left Saturday’s game with a left calf injury. It’s unclear if LeMahieu, who hit a career-low .204 in 67 games last year, will miss significant time.
“That’s not ideal, just with all that he’s had to deal with,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.
“We’ll see what we have there, and we’ll see how significant it is,” Boone added, according to the Yankees’ official website. “These soft tissue things have popped up on him, so it’s at least a little concerning.”
Enter Merrifield, the former Kansas City Royals standout who remains unsigned.
Whit Merrifield blasts a 3-run shot
Phils up 5-1
Whit Merrifield blasts a 3-run shot 💥
Phils up 5-1
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/bGQfVkrnGy
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) June 8, 2024
Merrifield hit .222 across 95 games with the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves last season. However, he’s only two seasons removed from recording 11 home runs, 67 RBI, and 26 stolen bases for the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Yankees are certainly familiar with Merrifield, who owns a .265 lifetime average against the Bronx Bombers. Fans and pundits frequently suggested him as a trade target earlier in his career, partly because of his speed and contact skills.
Although Merrifield turned 36 in January, he’s absolutely worth adding on a one-year deal. Merrifield brings versatility to a Yankees team already lacking designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton.
The Yankees announced Saturday that Stanton will begin the season on the injured list as he battles tennis elbow in both arms.
Merrifield split last year at second and left field, though he’s played third base and the other outfield spots throughout his career.
Money shouldn’t be an issue for Merrifield, who has earned over $34 million in nine seasons.
The Yankees need depth, especially with the injuries quickly piling up. Merrifield is a proven bat who doesn’t offer much risk at this point in his career.
