The Whit Merrifield era is over in Philly, as the Phillies announced Friday that they have released the veteran utility man.
To replace Merrifield on the roster, the Phillies recalled utility man Weston Wilson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Merrifield, 35, signed a one-year deal with a 2025 option this offseason with the intention of having him be the Phillies’ super-sub and perhaps semi-regular left fielder, but he slashed just .199/.277/.295 with three home runs, 11 RBI, and 11 steals in 174 plate appearances over 53 games.
The Phils gave him $7 million this year and an $8 million club option/$1 million buyout after he slashed .272/.318/.382 in that role last year in Toronto, but the straight release means they will now owe him about $4 million (the rest of this year’s salary plus the buyout) minus the prorated portion of the MLB minimum for any days he spends on another roster.
This is now the third straight season the Phillies have cut ties with an underperforming veteran in a similar way, as they did so with Didi Gregorius in 2022 and Josh Harrison last season.
Wilson, 29, played two games with the Phillies earlier this season, going hitless in four plate appearances. He has slashed .240/.340/.487 with 18 homers, 55 RBI, and 14 steals in 71 games with the IronPigs, though, while seeing time at second, third, and short, as well as both outfield corners.