In a shock transfer, the Philadelphia Phillies launched certainly one of their main free-agent signings simply earlier than the All-Star break.

The staff introduced earlier than Friday’s sport towards the Oakland Athletics that it launched utility participant Whit Merrifield.

To fill his spot, infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

In the course of the offseason, Merrifield agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract with the Phillies. His contract was within the type of a $7 million wage this yr and a $1 million buyout or an $8 million membership choice for 2025.

Merrifield, 35, gave the Phillies some flexibility, as he made 20 begins in left subject, 12 at second base and eight at third base.

However he batted simply .199 with eight extra-base hits, together with three homers, in 174 plate appearances.

Merrifield is ex-Wilmington Blue Rocks participant

Merrifield starred for the Superior Class A Wilmington Blue Rocks in 2011 and 2012, smacking 50 doubles and stealing 49 bases in 227 video games throughout his climb via the Kansas Metropolis system.

Throughout eight years with Kansas Metropolis and Toronto, Merrifield batted .284, led the AL in stolen bases thrice and hits twice, and was a three-time All-Star.

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However Merrifield was not capable of replicate that success with the Phillies, the place he hoped to supply some depth and flexibility for a staff with World Collection aspirations.

Wilson, 29, who also can play in each the infield and outfield, performed two video games with the Phillies in June after eight final yr during which he hit .313 with a homer in his first big-league at-bat.

He has batted .315 with 10 homers, 20 RBIs and a 1.186 OPS with the IronPigs. He was Worldwide League Participant of the Week July 1 after hitting 4 homers with a 1.417 OPS over six video games.