After a strong season with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023 Whit Merrifield took a place in the Phillies’ clubhouse for 2024 Spring Training. Philadelphia hoped that he would become a key utility player for them. However, he instead seemed to be on the decline and by July they were ready to let him go. The Braves gave him an opportunity to redeem himself, and he did.

In Atlanta his numbers improved drastically. Merrifield accumulated four home runs, 17 stolen bases and 15 runs during his time with the Braves last season. Now though, he remains a free agent and has not seen any action in Grapefruit League play yet this year. With Opening Day looming closer it may be in the Braves’ best interest to hold onto him.

His versatility and ability to adapt to the game where needed are assets that make him a free agent that could fill holes on rosters looking to improve their depth for the upcoming season. He has played third base and left field making him an option for teams looking to improve both their infield and outfield lineups.

Not only is he experienced defensively, Merrifield is also impressively fast. Whether it’s stealing bases, turning a hit that should have been a double into a triple or going in as a pinch runner late in the game, his speed makes him an asset to an offensive line up as well.

For a team like the Braves who last season faced one injury after another having a utility player on their roster like Merrifield seems like a no brainer.

As long as he stays healthy Merrifield is the type of veteran player that is appealing to a lot of teams who are still evaluating their rosters, or to teams like the Yankees who are now ridden with injury this early in the season. The Braves may need to act fast if they want Whit Merrifield to stay in Atlanta this season.