Three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after a nine-season career. The versatile veteran, who suited up for the Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves, shared the news Tuesday through his agency, Warner Sports.
“I actually made the decision to retire a while ago,” Merrifield said in a heartfelt statement. “In the end, it was an easy choice. There were many factors, but the biggest one was a 6-pound, 6-ounce blessing my wife and I welcomed in March 2024. Baseball has always demanded my full focus and energy to play at the level I expected of myself—and I know I can’t give that anymore. At this point, I’d rather be chasing a toddler than chasing sliders.”
Now 36, Merrifield enjoyed his prime years with the Royals, leading the American League multiple times in hits, stolen bases, and extra-base hits. After a midseason trade to Toronto in 2022, he earned his final All-Star nod with the Blue Jays in 2023, finishing with a .272 average, 11 home runs, and 26 stolen bases.
He expressed gratitude to the cities and fans who supported him, saying, “Kansas City, you became a second home for my family. There’s nothing like a first love. Toronto—it was an unforgettable honor to play for an entire country.”
In 2024, Merrifield split time between Philadelphia and Atlanta. He joked about his brief Phillies stint—“Philly, I liked you more than you liked me. Sorry I stunk for you”—but called ending his career with the Braves, his childhood team, “the joy of a lifetime.”
Merrifield finishes his career with a .280 batting average, 218 stolen bases, 94 home runs, and 18 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), according to Baseball Reference.
His only regret? Not bringing a championship to any of the cities he called home. Still, his impact across multiple clubs and his reputation as one of the most durable and consistent utility players of the past decade remain firmly intact.
