KANSAS CITY, Mo. — All-Star outfielder Whit Merrifield and the Kansas City Royals agreed to a restructured contract late Wednesday, in which the club exercised its option for next season and the two sides added a 2024 reciprocal option.
Merrifield, who fielded his second All-Star team last season, will make $7 million this season and $2.75 million in 2023, a number that would escalate by $4 million if he spends 109 days or fewer on the injured list this season. The mutual option is $18 million with a $500,000 buyout.
Merrifield, 33, had a .277 run in the American League with 40 stolen bases and 42 doubles last season, becoming the first player since Charlie Gehringer in 1929 to lead the AL in both categories. Merrifield also had more than 40 doubles and more than 40 steals in 2018, making him one of seven players in Big League history with at least two such seasons.
Merrifield’s value to the royals is more than just his batting and baserunning ability. One of baseball’s most versatile players, Merrifield can play first base, second base, and third base in addition to all three outfield positions.
The growth of second baseman Nicky Lopez last season and the arrival of top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. at third base this season means Merrifield will return to playing mostly outfield again. There he will start Thursday’s opener against Cleveland, extending his club record – and longest active streak in the majors – to 470 consecutive games.