The Blue Jays informed reporters that second baseman has become a free agent ( ). Both parties declined their end of the $18MM mutual option in his contract. Merrifield will collect a $500K buyout and head to the open market for the first time. Toronto acquired Merrifield, who turns 35 in January, from the Royals at the 2022 trade deadline. It was a buy-low move for the two-time hits leader, who carried a .240/.290/.352 line at the time. Merrifield turned things around in Canada, hitting .281/.323/.446 down the stretch. He carried that into the first half of this year, posting a .286/.342/.392 slash to secure his third career All-Star Kyle Garlick Jersey nod. Unlike 2022, Merrifield didnt perform well in the second half. He limped to a .212/.250/.288 showing from August 1 onward, although his overall season line was still respectable. He concluded the year with a .272/.318/.382 line with 11 home runs through 592 trips to the plate. He stole 26 bases while getting thrown out 10 times. Merrifield has plus contact skills and is one of the best players in a weak cla s of free agent middle infielders. Hes arguably the top second baseman available. The White Sox have reportedly identified him as a target, while teams like the Red Sox, Mariners and Pirates could explore the market. The Jays may remain in that bidding as well. , rookie and are among the in-house options. Theyre certainly not going to offer Merrifield a salary approaching $18MM on an annual basis, but a two-year pact at a le ser value could be attainable. landed a $17MM guarantee over two years last winter when he was coming off a .277/.336/.387 platform showing. Brent Headrick Jersey