Three-time MLB All-Star Whit Merrifield announced his retirement on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, bringing an end to a nine-year career filled with accolades, hustle, and heartfelt moments. The 36-year-old utility player, who played for the Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves, shared his decision via a poignant social media post through his agency, Warner Sports Management. In a candid and humorous note, Merrifield reflected on his journey, thanked his fans, and issued a memorable apology to Phillies fans for his struggles in Philadelphia: “Philly, I liked you way more than you liked me. Sorry I stunk for you.”
A Career Defined by Grit and Versatility
Merrifield’s path to the majors was anything but conventional. Drafted in the ninth round by the Kansas City Royals in 2010 out of the University of South Carolina, he spent over six years in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut at age 27 in 2016. Despite being overlooked as a prospect, Merrifield’s tenacity and versatility made him a standout. He played multiple positions—primarily second base but also outfield and other infield spots—while leading the American League in stolen bases three times (2017, 2018, 2021) and hits twice (2018, 2019). His career stats include 1,249 hits, 94 home runs, 485 RBIs, 218 stolen bases, and a .280 batting average over 1,147 games.
Merrifield’s breakout came with the Royals, where he earned two All-Star nods (2019, 2021) and MVP votes in 2018 after hitting a career-best .304. He led the majors in hits in 2018 (192) and 2019 (206), doubles in 2021 (42), and triples in 2019 (10). His speed and contact hitting made him a fan favorite in Kansas City, which he called a “second home to my family and I” in his retirement note. “Nothing compares to a first love,” he added, expressing gratitude for his time with the Royals.
In 2022, Merrifield was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he earned his third All-Star selection in 2023. “Toronto, playing for an entire country was an honour I’ll never forget,” he wrote. His time in Toronto included postseason appearances in 2022 and 2023, though he struggled in the second half of 2023.
A Tough Stint in Philadelphia
Merrifield’s 2024 season with the Philadelphia Phillies was a low point. Signed to a one-year, $8 million contract, he was expected to bring his veteran presence and versatility to a contending team. However, in 53 games, he hit just .199 with a .572 OPS, three home runs, 11 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. His struggles led to his release on July 12, 2024, a move that shocked fans given his recent All-Star pedigree. “Philly, I liked you way more than you liked me. Sorry I stunk for you,” Merrifield wrote, acknowledging his underwhelming performance with self-deprecating humor that resonated with fans and media alike.
Despite the disappointment, Merrifield’s apology struck a chord. Phillies fans, known for their passion, appreciated his honesty. As one X post noted, “Former .@Phillies utility player Whit Merrifield has called it a career… Merrifield talked about his love for Philly and apologized for playing like garbage.” His brief tenure in Philadelphia may not have panned out, but his genuine affection for the city left a positive impression.
Redemption with the Braves
After his release from Philadelphia, Merrifield signed with the Atlanta Braves in late July 2024, fulfilling a childhood dream. Growing up in the Carolinas, he described Atlanta as his “childhood team,” adding, “It was the joy of a lifetime to play and end my career for my childhood team.” In 42 games with the Braves, he hit a respectable .248 with a .684 OPS, providing stability to an injury-plagued infield. Though he didn’t play in Atlanta’s wild-card series loss to the San Diego Padres, his contributions helped the team reach the postseason.
Merrifield’s time with the Braves marked a fitting end to his career. His agency celebrated his journey, posting, “Congratulations on an amazing run @WhitMerrifield. We’re beyond grateful to have been a part of the journey every step of the way.”
A Personal Decision to Retire
Merrifield’s retirement was influenced by the birth of his daughter in March 2024, a factor he cited as pivotal. “When it came down to it, it was an easy decision. Many factors played a role in my decision, but the main one was a 6 pound, 6 ounce gift from God my wife and I were blessed with in March of 2024… At this point in life, I’d much rather chase around a toddler than chase sliders,” he wrote. This personal milestone gave him perspective, leading him to step away from the game to focus on family.
Reflecting on his career, Merrifield expressed pride in proving doubters wrong. “I’m proud of myself. The toughness I developed and the things I was able to accomplish, nobody outside of my camp thought possible. I spent a lot of energy proving people wrong but my real joy came from proving my small circle of believers right,” he wrote. His journey from a late-round draft pick to a three-time All-Star embodies the grit that defined his playing style.
For now, Merrifield looks forward to life off the field, chasing his toddler instead of sliders. Baseball fans, meanwhile, will cherish the memories of a player who gave everything to the game. Follow Sports Illustrated and Newsweek for more MLB updates and retirement stories.