Veteran second baseman and three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield has long been a logical fit for the New York Yankees, and now might be the perfect time for the two sides to come together.
The urgency increased after Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu exited Saturday’s game with a left calf injury. LeMahieu, who struggled last season with a career-low .204 average in 67 games, could be sidelined for an extended period. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed concern, noting, “That’s not ideal, just with all that he’s had to deal with. We’ll see what we have there, and we’ll see how significant it is. These soft tissue things have popped up on him, so it’s at least a little concerning.”
This opens the door for Merrifield, a former Kansas City Royals standout who is still a free agent. While Merrifield hit just .222 in 95 games split between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves last season, he’s only two years removed from a strong campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he posted 11 home runs, 67 RBI, and 26 stolen bases. The Yankees are well-acquainted with Merrifield, who has a .265 career average against them. His speed and contact skills have made him a frequent topic of trade speculation in the past.
At 36 years old, Merrifield remains a valuable option on a one-year deal. His versatility would be a major asset for a Yankees team already dealing with injuries, including designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, who will start the season on the injured list due to tennis elbow in both arms. Merrifield played both second base and left field last season and has experience at third base and other outfield positions throughout his career.
Financially, Merrifield shouldn’t be a hurdle for the Yankees, as he’s earned over $34 million in his nine-year career. With injuries mounting, the Yankees need depth, and Merrifield offers a low-risk, proven bat who could provide stability and flexibility to their lineup.
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