Whit Merrifield Retires from MLB after 9 Seasons, 3 All-Stars with Royals, More

Three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, who led Major League Baseball in hits during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, has announced his retirement.

Merrifield was a second baseman and outfielder over his nine MLB seasons (2026-2024) for the Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves. He made the American League All-Star teams in the 2019, 2021 and 2023 seasons.

The Royals selected Merrifield, a former University of South Carolina star, with a ninth-round pick in the 2010 MLB draft. He stayed in the minors until getting the call-up during the 2016 season.

Merrifield debuted at age 27. For his career, Merrifield hit .280 (.741 OPS) with 94 home runs, 485 RBI, 1,249 hits, 632 runs and 218 stolen bases. His per-162 game average was 13 homers, 69 RBI, 89 runs and 176 hits.

In addition to leading the league in hits twice, Merrifield paced the majors in doubles (42) in 2021, triples (10) in 2019 and stolen bases (45) in 2018. He also led the American League in stolen bases in 2017 (34) and 2021 (40).

Merrifield's best stretch occurred from 2018 to 2019, when he hit .303 (.809 OPS) with 28 homers, 134 RBI, 193 runs and 398 hits over two seasons.

His best ball occurred with the Royals, where he played for six-plus seasons. Kansas City traded Merrifield to the contending Blue Jays in the middle of the 2022 season, and he stayed with the team through 2023. Merrifield finished his career with the Philadelphia and then Atlanta in 2024.

"I loved all the moments," Merrifield began in the closing paragraph of his retirement announcement. "All the highs and even the lows. I'm grateful for the way this game molded me. I can't wait to tell my story to my daughter one day. What a ride. Thanks for everything."