Report: Braves sign three-time All-Star utilityman to Boost Bench Depth as Ozzie Albies Faces Extended Absence
The Atlanta Braves have secured a deal with infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield, adding a seasoned veteran to their roster as they navigate a series of injuries. The move comes as the Braves seek to fill the void left by second baseman Ozzie Albies, who recently suffered a fractured wrist and is expected to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks.
Merrifield, who was released by the Philadelphia Phillies earlier in July, is expected to take on a bench role with the Braves, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The Braves are poised to promote top infield prospect Nacho Alvarez to handle the starting role at second base in Albies’ absence. Merrifield’s versatility, with the ability to play both second base and the outfield, aligns well with Atlanta’s current roster needs, offering depth in areas where the team has been exposed.
The 35-year-old Merrifield’s fit on paper is promising. He can back up Alvarez at second base while also providing options in the outfield, where the Braves currently feature Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario, Jarred Kelenic, and Ramon Laureano. Despite his potential utility, Merrifield’s recent performance raises some concerns. In 174 plate appearances with the Phillies this season, he struggled mightily, posting a .199/.277/.295 slash line with a wRC+ of 65.
However, Merrifield’s previous track record offers a glimmer of hope. Between 2017 and 2020 with the Kansas City Royals, he was a solid contributor, accumulating a 13.3 fWAR and a wRC+ of 111. Even in recent years, while his performance has dipped, he managed a .268/.311/.385 line with a wRC+ of 90 across stints with the Royals and Toronto Blue Jays.
A closer look at Merrifield’s metrics reveals some promising signs. His 10.9% strikeout rate this season is the lowest of his career, and his 8.6% walk rate matches his career high. His .096 ISO, however, is a career low, largely due to an unusually low .206 BABIP. Merrifield’s career BABIP stands at .321, and even returning to his career low from 2022 could significantly improve his offensive output. Additionally, his 11 stolen bases in 12 attempts demonstrate that he still possesses some of his trademark speed.
The Braves’ decision to sign Merrifield, alongside the addition of Rosario, echoes their strategy from the 2021 trade deadline when they acquired multiple outfielders—Rosario, Duvall, Joc Pederson, and Jorge Soler—to bolster their lineup after Ronald Acuña Jr.’s season-ending ACL injury. With Acuña again out for the season, the signing of Merrifield suggests the Braves might be adopting a similar approach, focusing on depth rather than pursuing high-profile trade targets like Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Luis Robert Jr.
As the Braves adjust to Albies’ absence, Merrifield’s experience and versatility could prove invaluable, providing depth and flexibility as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the National League.
