ATLANTA, GA: According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Braves and infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield have reached a big league agreement. Prior to the trade, the Braves had 39 players on their roster, therefore Merrifield's accession to the active roster won't need a change in roster status.
Ozzie Albies, who broke his wrist yesterday and is likely to be sidelined for about eight weeks, will be replaced at second base by Merrifield, who was released by the Phillies earlier this month.
On paper, at least, the 35-year-old veteran is a perfect fit for Atlanta's roster needs in a reserve capacity. Merrifield fits in well because he can play left field as well as second base.
This allows him to support Alvarez at second base and fit in with the current outfield group, which also includes Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario, Jarred Kelenic, and Ramon Laureano.
Nevertheless, there are some grounds for concern over Merrifield's ability to be a productive major league bat at this point in his career given his rough spell with the Phillies. Merrifield hit a pitiful .199/.277/.295 in 174 at-bats this season with Philadelphia, boasting a wRC+ of just 65.
Commentaires