South Carolina baseball legend Whit Merrifield is now in his 9th year in Major League Baseball and his 15th as a professional. Throughout his career, Merrifield has been a standout player, making three MLB All-Star Games, leading the league in hits twice, and topping the charts in doubles, triples, and stolen bases three times. He’s also been nominated for the Silver Slugger Award at multiple positions and has been a multiple-time Gold Glove nominee at second base, establishing himself as one of the league’s top utility players.
However, 2024 has been a challenging year for Merrifield. After signing with the Philadelphia Phillies to be a super utility player off the bench for the World Series-contending team, he struggled to find his footing and was released just before this year’s All-Star Game.
Merrifield quickly found a new opportunity. On Monday morning, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Atlanta Braves signed him to a Major League contract. With All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies fracturing his left wrist on Sunday, Merrifield might see some playing time at second base. Additionally, MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reported that the Braves plan to call up top prospect Nacho Alvarez, an infielder, which could impact Merrifield’s role.
The Braves have struggled with consistency in the corner outfield and at shortstop this season. Given Merrifield’s versatility, being able to play second base, third base, or the corner outfield, he could fill various roles, especially if Alvarez ends up playing shortstop for the struggling Orlando Arcia.
During his college career at South Carolina, Merrifield was a standout player, ranking in the top-6 in Gamecock history in hits and runs scored despite only playing for three seasons before being selected in the 2010 MLB Draft. His most memorable moment came in his final at-bat for USC, delivering the College World Series-clinching hit in 2010 that secured the Gamecocks’ first National Championship.
