Merrifield a free agent after Blue Jays, player decline mutual option

Second baseman Whit Merrifield is heading to free agency after the Toronto Blue Jays and the second baseman both declined an $18-million mutual option on his contract for next season, the club announced Thursday.

The move was widely expected after Merrifield struggled in the second half of the season in the aftermath of an appearance in the all-star game.

The 34-year-old Merrifield slashed .272/.318/.382 with 11 homers, 67 RBIs and 26 stolen bases in 145 games in 2023.

Merrifield did not start in either of the Blue Jays’ two playoff games against the Minnesota Twins.

A three-time all-star, Merrifield was acquired by the Blue Jays from the Kansas City Royals just before the trade deadline in 2022.

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