KANSAS CITY, Mo. — All-Star outfielder Whit Merrifield and the Kansas City Royals agreed to a restructured contract by which the membership exercised its possibility for subsequent season and the 2 sides added a mutual possibility for the 2024 season.
Merrifield, who made his second All-Star crew final season, will make $7 million this season and $2.75 million in 2023, a determine that might escalate by $4 million if he spends 109 days or fewer on the injured listing this season. The mutual possibility is for $18 million with a $500,000 buyout.
The 33-year-old Merrifield hit .277 with an American League-leading 40 stolen bases and 42 doubles final season, turning into the primary participant since Charlie Gehringer in 1929 to guide the AL in each classes. Merrifield additionally had 40-plus doubles and 40-plus steals in 2018, making him one among seven gamers in large league historical past with at the very least two such seasons.
Merrifield’s worth to the Royals is simply his bat and baserunning capability. One of many league’s most versatile gamers, Merrifield can also be able to enjoying first base, second base and third base together with all three outfield positions.
The expansion of second baseman Nicky Lopez final season, and the arrival of prime prospect Bobby Witt Jr. at third base this season, means Merrifield will play principally within the outfield once more. That’s the place he’ll begin the opener in opposition to Cleveland, extending his membership file – and the longest lively streak within the majors – to 470 consecutive video games performed.
Royals agree with All-Star Whit Merrifield on restructured deal initially appeared on NBCSports.com
