Merrifield and the Blue Jays declined his mutual option for the 2024 season Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: The option was worth $18 million, so it's little surprise the team is willing to move on given that Merrifield lost playing down the final stretch of the season. He'll be entering his age-35 season, so Merrifield could be looking for a final payday. He maintained a .700 OPS with 11 home runs and 26 steals across 592 plate appearances in 2023.
Whit Merrifield Absent from Game 1 lineup
Merrifield is not in the lineup for Tuesday's AL Wild Card Series opener against the Twins, Ben Wagner of Sportsnet Radio reports.
Analysis: Given his usage down the stretch of the regular season, it's not a surprise to see Merrifield begin this one on the bench. The Blue Jays are opting for Cavan Biggio at second base, Daulton Varsho in left field and Kevin Kiermaier in center.
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