CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Phillies had been looking for another outfielder for months but said they couldn't find one because everyone wanted guaranteed playing time.
Sources said Friday afternoon that the Phillies and Merrifield have agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract that includes an $8 million club option for 2025. The deal is still pending.
Merrifield will provide the Phillies with a much-needed right-handed bat off the bench, with the ability to play left field, second base and occasionally elsewhere if needed. But perhaps most importantly, he provides protection in the outfield for the Phillies with Johan Rojas having to prove he can be an everyday player and Brandon Marsh sidelined until next month due to his recent knee surgery. The Phillies expect Marsh to be ready by Opening Day.
Three-time All-Star Merrifield, 35, batted .272 with 11 homers, 67 RBIs and a .700 OPS in 592 plate appearances with Toronto last season. The eight-year veteran spent most of his career as a second baseman with the Royals, but played 84 games in the outfield for the Blue Jays last year.
If Rojas stumbles in center, the Phillies could move Marsh from left to center and Merrifield could play left. If Rojas plays the way the Phillies hope, Merrifield could play in left or second against strong lefties.
Cristian Pache and Jake Cave entered camp as the fourth and fifth outfielders. There are no options for either, so one of them will have to be left off the 40-man roster if they don't make the Opening Day roster.
Most recently, Merrifield was looking for a two-year contract. The one-year contract with the option seems to be a compromise.