Whit Merrifield said last month he might be willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if it meant playing for a team in contention, even though he had refused to get the shot while playing for the last-place Kansas City Royals. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__subnav--transparent{background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.7);width:calc(100vw - 145px);}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--spotlight .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ This doesnt just mean stolen-base attempts, but trying to stretch singles into doubles and tagging up more often. Team Date Transaction; November 16, 2022: 2B Whit Merrifield and changed number to 15. .mHQYb .p-search-item__container{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:50px;border-top:0;min-width:250px;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}/*!sc*/ In early July 2016, a song and video tribute to Merrifield titled, "Cool Whit"[13] went viral on YouTube and Facebook, receiving coverage on local Kansas City radio and TV news. details{display:block;}/*!sc*/ The Blue Jays are bringing the game to opponents doorsteps, and the new guy loves it.\n\nI love running, Merrifield said, grinning. Merrifield is unique in that, to his careers detriment, he has firmly been on both sides of that line. @media (min-width:768px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top{padding:0 16px;}}/*!sc*/ @media screen and (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-side__nav-item:hover{background-color:#057AFF;}}/*!sc*/ Home; About Us. textarea{overflow:auto;}/*!sc*/ html{line-height:1.15;-webkit-text-size-adjust:100%;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--mobile-quick-nav .header__nav-top__nav-item--inner{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;height:100%;}/*!sc*/ window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"} @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold.woff2') format('woff2'), url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold.woff') format('woff');font-weight:700;font-style:normal;}/*!sc*/ Hes 34, but hes only one year removed from a 3.6 bWAR season. Thats no fluke, and we know it today. One day after the Kansas City Royals traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays, second baseman Whit Merrifield shared a special message for fans . From top to bottom, its exciting baseball. In 2016, the Royals finally called up Merrifield as a hedge against the continually flailing Infante, who they released shortly thereafter. taylormade tp putter weights. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Canada does not allow unvaccinated people into the country, which has prevented dozens of . Unfortunately for Merrifield, he wasnt in. Weve talked about spots that he likes to run in and things he likes to do on the bases. Merrifield was notably one of 10 Royals players not to make the trip to Toronto in July due to his COVID-19 vaccination status. @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-club],.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-microsite]{background-image:linear-gradient(#002867 50%,#081c3b 50%);}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top__nav-items{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;}}/*!sc*/ .bZhBFV img{max-width:220px;}/*!sc*/ legend{box-sizing:border-box;color:inherit;display:table;max-width:100%;padding:0;white-space:normal;}/*!sc*/ If he doesnt, we have no end of utility players in the upper minors. .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item{display:none;-webkit-flex:1 1 100%;-ms-flex:1 1 100%;flex:1 1 100%;position:relative;text-align:center;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo--with-sponsor,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo--with-sponsor,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo--with-tagline,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo--with-tagline{display:none;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__content,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav--teams{padding:8px;}/*!sc*/ Merrifield was ready for the big leagues in 2014, when he hit .340/.373/.474 in Triple-A as a 25-year-old. In 2015 it was Toronto, Yankees, Texas, Houston, and the Angels. his acquisition by the Blue Jays on Tuesday. .evGxub{display:inline-block;width:48px;height:48px;border-radius:50%;-webkit-border-radius:50%;overflow:hidden;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:500px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__secondary-logos{-webkit-flex-basis:60%;-ms-flex-preferred-size:60%;flex-basis:60%;}}/*!sc*/ .blUWSx .share-button__close{top:6px;left:5px;}/*!sc*/ .groqnz.markdown,.groqnz.photo figcaption,.groqnz.oembed .social-embed{padding:0 16px;}/*!sc*/ But a guy with a .315 average in Triple-A over 600 plate appearances? .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.account--logged-in.active::after{opacity:1;}/*!sc*/ Many historical player head shots courtesy of David Davis. And when Merrifield broke out, the Royals, doomed by nearly a decade of draft class failures and league-worst pitching development, were toast. After barely losing in the final game of the 2014 World Series, the 2015 Kansas City Royals were on a mission: run it back, but win it all. .mHQYb .p-search__list--multiple-type .p-search-item--team + .p-search-item--player.p-search-item--es:before{content:'Jugadores';}/*!sc*/ Twitter was listing all of his myriad of nicknames. Record: 65-97-0, 5th place in AL_Central ( Schedule and Results ) Manager: Mike Matheny (65-97) President: Dayton Moore (President, Baseball Operations; Fired 09/21/22) General Manager: J.J. Picollo. @media (min-width:768px){.cHcHkC{font-size:1.44rem;max-height:32px;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap;display:block;-webkit-line-clamp:none;-webkit-box-orient:inline-axis;}.cHcHkC::before,.cHcHkC::after{display:none;}}/*!sc*/ .fYCiRB{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;height:40px;width:40px;}/*!sc*/ Get behind-the-scenes Gamecocks news. 11 junio, 2020. He could be part of a complicated platoon, playing left or right on Kiermaiers days off, with Varsho or Springer moving to center. Charlie Riedel. Whit Merrifield getting traded to Toronto is easily the funniest thing that could have happened .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo img{height:30px;}/*!sc*/ 0 This hasnt been an issue for Toronto's players, of course, because while the same rules apply to them entering the United States, theyve all been vaccinated. @media (max-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-url-logos--no-sponsor{display:none;}}/*!sc*/ Next: wHIT Merrifield Helps Royals Revive Walking Dead Offense. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Merrifields skills and talents are easy to spot. article ul{list-style:disc;}/*!sc*/ hr{box-sizing:content-box;height:0;overflow:visible;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__subnav__group-title{color:#aaaaaa;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;background-color:#ffffff;text-transform:uppercase;}/*!sc*/ #react-header{width:100%;}/*!sc*/ I like 'Whit Merrifield's Granddad' for Cain's nickname. Maybe you dont empathize with Merrifield. Shortly thereafter, Merrifield, playing in Omaha for the Triple-A Stormchasers, was yanked out of the game for no apparent reason. Exceeded rookie limits during 2016 season, 2023 Contract Status: .dLQAwR a{color:#057AFF;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search__list--multiple-type .p-search-item--team.p-search-item--es:first-of-type:before{content:'Equipos';}/*!sc*/ On July 8, though, the Royals found themselves in a precipitous spot. The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball, Salaries may not be complete (especially pre-1985) and may not include some earned bonuses. data-styled.g144[id="Styles__StickyHeaderContainer-sc-1wye7kw-0"]{content:"ggWmAj,"}/*!sc*/ If he gets off to a good start, hell play a lot. One of the consistent themes of the Royals front office ever since Dayton Moore was hired in 2006 has been the existence of in guys and out guys. Your Cactus League leaders, the Kansas City Royals! [6] He signed with the Royals and made his professional debut that season with the Burlington Bees. .mHQYb .p-search__list:focus{outline:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.locale,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.search{display:none;}/*!sc*/ @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold.woff2') format('woff2'),url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold.woff') format('woff');font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-display:fallback;}/*!sc*/ All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. @font-face{font-family:'proxima-nova';src:url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold-italic.woff2') format('woff2'), url('https://www.mlbstatic.com/mlb.com/fonts/proxima-nova-bold-italic.woff') format('woff');font-weight:700;font-style:italic;}/*!sc*/ .ggWmAj .sticky-header__share{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row-reverse;-ms-flex-direction:row-reverse;flex-direction:row-reverse;grid-column:9 / 13;}/*!sc*/ .jDETbc{font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-size:40px;color:#222222;margin:0;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .mlb-header--inner{margin:auto;max-width:none;position:relative;}/*!sc*/ .blLcNM .content .share-btn button{font-weight:600;}/*!sc*/ Given Merrifield's ability to play all over the infield and in the outfield, he has become one of the most desired players at the trade deadline. .hHLkAw input{position:relative;font-size:15px;line-height:32px;color:#444444;font-weight:400;height:32px;padding:0 8px;width:100%;background-color:#ffffff;border-radius:5px;border:1px solid #444444;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo img,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__sponsor-logo a{height:56px;}/*!sc*/ .ezZJVn{background:transparent;border:0;color:#000000;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-size:1rem;margin:0;padding:0;position:absolute;right:35px;top:60%;-webkit-transform:translateY(-50%);-ms-transform:translateY(-50%);transform:translateY(-50%);white-space:nowrap;}/*!sc*/ Positions: Better Know Your Blue Jays 40-man: Whit Merrifield, The former Astros GM joins as the Vice President of Baseball Strategy, Players with Toronto on their no-trade list, Primer on Transactions: Options, Outrights, and Waivers, Blue Jays Option and Outright Status Table. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? .kKeedG:hover{border-bottom:none;color:#0048AB;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{display:none;}/*!sc*/ Merrifield's sixth-inning blast provided the Royals' margin of victory. .mHQYb .p-search-item__image-selector{width:3px;height:100%;}/*!sc*/ .mHQYb .p-search__list--multiple-type .p-search-item--team:first-of-type:before{content:'Teams';}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g120[id="headlinestyle__HeadlineWrapper-sc-1ccyctx-0"]{content:"jDETbc,hSQYJO,"}/*!sc*/ [27], In 2022 he batted .250/.298/.375 in 550 plate appearances, and was the only qualified batter in the major leagues who was not hit by a pitch all year. He is a two-time All-Star, and led the American League in stolen bases three times. He graduated from Davie County High . .hUHmCp > article{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(12,minmax(0,1fr));grid-gap:24px;color:#000000;}/*!sc*/ Now its 2016, the KC Royals are still the best team in the majors and theres a slew of super-hot teams again. Draft: Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 9th round of the 2010 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC). With the Royals, he hit .288 in 145 games with 19 home runs and 78 RBIs. .groqnz.markdown.youtube,.groqnz.photo figcaption.youtube,.groqnz.oembed .social-embed.youtube{padding:0;}/*!sc*/ This is a trade that the Blue Jays needed to make. .dLQAwR .contributor__image{margin-right:8px;}/*!sc*/ Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins did not comment on Merrifield's vaccination status during his . Total Zone Rating and initial framework for Wins above Replacement calculations provided by Sean Smith. .blUWSx .share-icon__square{width:30px;}/*!sc*/ Whit Merrifield is on Twitter at WhitMerrifield. .blUWSx .share-button__link--message{position:absolute;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;height:100%;left:-105px;bottom:2px;padding:0 5px;border-radius:5px;background:#041E42;color:#ffffff;font-family:"proxima-nova","open Sans","Helvetica","Arial",sans-serif;font-size:12px;}/*!sc*/ data-styled.g166[id="Styles__VideoPlayerContainer-t94iyc-0"]{content:"XOHMa,"}/*!sc*/ h5.headlinestyle__HeadlineWrapper-sc-1ccyctx-0{font-weight:normal;}/*!sc*/ 3:48PM: The Mets are one of the teams interested in Merrifield, MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports ( Twitter link ). Whit Merrifield made $7,000,000.00 last year. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina and played college baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks from 2008 to 2010. .hUHmCp{margin-top:24px;background-color:#ffffff;}/*!sc*/ He was optioned back to Omaha in July and recalled in September. [1][2][3] In the second game of the championship series at the 2010 College World Series, Merrifield hit a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 11th inning to give South Carolina the championship. .dLQAwR{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-right:8px;min-height:48px;margin-bottom:8px;padding-right:8px;}/*!sc*/ @media (min-width:1024px){.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top{padding:0 32px;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container{width:auto;min-width:50vw;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:56px;overflow:hidden;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container--initialized{overflow:visible;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container__primary,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container__revenue{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;width:auto;height:56px;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex:0 1 auto;-ms-flex:0 1 auto;flex:0 1 auto;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container__revenue{margin-left:auto;margin-right:4px;-webkit-box-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;padding-right:0;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-container__revenue.hide-revenue{display:none;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-items{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;width:auto;height:56px;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-items--spillover{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;min-width:168px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-items--revenue{-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-items--quick .header__nav-top__nav-item--mobile-quick-nav--hideRevenue{display:none;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{display:block;margin-left:8px;margin-right:5px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button-menu{display:none;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.account,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.search,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.locale{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:inherit;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:end;-webkit-justify-content:flex-end;-ms-flex-pack:end;justify-content:flex-end;-webkit-box-flex:0 1 auto;-webkit-flex-grow:0 1 auto;-ms-flex-positive:0 1 auto;flex-grow:0 1 auto;font-family:inherit;margin-left:auto;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.search,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.account,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.account--logged-in{position:relative;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button.account--logged-in::after{bottom:-17px;left:auto;right:33%;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button-login{color:inherit;display:inline;font-size:14px;font-weight:bold;margin-left:8px;margin-right:5px;opacity:0.8;text-transform:uppercase;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__button:hover .header__nav-top__button-login{opacity:1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo{padding:0 16px 0 0;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo--mlb{-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__logo--mlb a{text-align:left;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__tagline--no-sponsor{margin-right:auto;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__url-logo{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top.search,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top.account,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top.account--logged-in{position:relative;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top.account--logged-in::after{bottom:-17px;left:auto;right:33%;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item{height:56px;display:inline-block;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--inner,.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item__link{height:100%;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item__link{padding:20px 10px 0;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item__link .icon__nav-item{display:block;margin-right:8px;width:18px;height:14px;float:left;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{opacity:0.8;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--current{border-bottom:4px solid #002867;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--current .header__nav-top__nav-item__text{opacity:1;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header .header__nav-top__nav-item--parent::after{content:'';border-color:transparent transparent #002867;border-style:solid;border-width:8px;width:0px;height:0px;opacity:0;display:block;margin:-4px auto 0px;position:absolute;bottom:4px;right:0;left:0;z-index:99992;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top{height:56px;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header.mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top__nav-items{visibility:visible;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-club] .header__nav-top{-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;}.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-club] .header__nav-top,.mHQYb header.mlb-header[data-is-club].mlb-header--side-nav-open .header__nav-top{height:112px;}}/*!sc*/