In an unexpected development, the Philadelphia Phillies have released one of their notable free-agent acquisitions just before the All-Star break.
Prior to Friday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, the team announced the release of utility player Whit Merrifield.
To take his place, infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Merrifield had signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Phillies during the offseason, structured as a $7 million salary for this year with a $1 million buyout or an $8 million club option for 2025.
The 35-year-old Merrifield provided the Phillies with flexibility, starting 20 games in left field, 12 at second base, and eight at third base. However, he struggled offensively, batting just .199 with eight extra-base hits, including three home runs, across 174 plate appearances.
Merrifield, formerly a standout for the Advanced Class A Wilmington Blue Rocks in 2011 and 2012, had a distinguished career with Kansas City and Toronto. During his eight years there, he batted .284, led the AL in stolen bases three times, led in hits twice, and was a three-time All-Star.
Despite his past success, Merrifield was unable to find his form with the Phillies, where he was expected to add depth and versatility to a team with World Series ambitions.
Wilson, 29, who is capable of playing both in the infield and outfield, appeared in two games with the Phillies in June. Last year, he played in eight games and hit .313, including a home run in his first big-league at-bat. This season, with the IronPigs, he has batted .315 with 10 home runs, 20 RBIs, and a 1.186 OPS. He was named International League Player of the Week on July 1 after hitting four home runs with a 1.417 OPS over six games.