The Philadelphia Phillies release veteran utility player Whit Merrifield in a surprising move. During the offseason, the Phillies signed Merrifield to a one-year $8 million contract with an option for next season. This is very similar to what happened with Josh Harrison last season. In 53 games this season, Merrifield has a .199/.277/.295 line with three home runs and 11 RBI. Merrifield has a 63 OPS+ and a 65 wRC+ this season. FanGraphs has Merrifield with a -5.3 offensive value and a -3.0 defensive value this season. Merrifield has a career-low of -0.2 fWAR at the moment and a career-low of .572 OPS this season.
To fill the open roster spot, the Phillies recalled Weston Wilson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In 71 games at Triple-A this season Wilson has a .240/.340/.487 line with 18 home runs and 55 RBI. Wilson also has 14 stolen bases. During June, Wilson had a 1.465 OPS and hit 10 home runs while driving in 20 runs. In 10 major league appearances, Wilson has a .250/.423/.400 line with one home run and two RBI. Wilson has a 129 OPS+ along with a 137 wRC+ in the majors. In the majors, Wilson has played five different defensive positions. Of those positions, Wilson has played left field and second base the most.
Phillies Release Veteran Utility Player
While a three-time All-Star Merrifield was having the worst season of his career. The timing of this move is more surprising than the move itself. It seemed like the Phillies were going to wait until the trade deadline. Currently, Baseball Savant ranks Merrifield in the 23rd percentile in fielding run value this season. Merrifield does not have enough at-bats to qualify for batting run value. Wilson playing left field regularly for Triple-A Lehigh Valley in recent weeks was a sign that something was coming. A Wilson platoon with Brandon Marsh until the trade deadline seems like the direction the Phillies will go. Merrifield being outlasted by Cristian Pache is a surprise as well.
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