Tue Jun 24 21:10:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Three-Time All-Star Whit Merrifield Announces Retirement**
NEW YORK – Whit Merrifield, the three-time All-Star known for his versatility and speed, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after nine seasons. The news was confirmed Tuesday by his agency, Warner Sports Management.
Merrifield, 36, released a statement citing the recent birth of his child as a major factor in his decision. “You all should know that I decided a while back to retire,” Merrifield stated. “When it came down to it, it was an easy decision. Many factors played a roll in my decision, but the main one was a 6 pound 6 ounce gift from God my wife and I were blessed with in March of 2024.” He continued, “At this point in life, I’d much rather chase around a toddler than chase sliders.”
Merrifield spent the majority of his career with the Kansas City Royals (2016-2022), where he blossomed into a star. He led the American League multiple times in stolen bases, hits, doubles, and triples. He was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022 and earned his final All-Star selection in 2023. He split the 2024 season with the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves.
In his statement, Merrifield expressed gratitude to the cities he played in, “KC you became a second home to my family and I. Nothing compares to a first love. Toronto, playing for an entire country was an honour I’ll never forget. Philly, I liked you way more than you liked me. Sorry I stunk for you. And Atlanta, it was the joy of a lifetime to play and end my career for my childhood team. My only baseball regret was never being able to help bring a world championship to any one of the cities I played for.”
Merrifield retires with a career batting average of .280, 218 stolen bases, 94 home runs, and an accumulated 18 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Baseball Reference.
**Reporting by J.P. Hoornstra, MLB Writer.**
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