The finalists for the 2023 Silver Slugger Award have been announced, and Whit Merrifield is a finalist. He is being recognized through his role as a utility player. Unfortunately, Merrifield and the Toronto Blue Jays could not make a deal, and he is now a free agent. Merrifield is an American League hit leader, 2023 All-Star, and 2023 Silver Slugger finalist. He was not given the name “two-hit Whit” for nothing.
2023 Silver Slugger Award Finalist: Whit Merrifield
Two- Hit Whit
Still can’t believe the jays declined the option with 2 time AL hit leader, 2023 All star, 2023 silver slugger finalist Whit “two hit Whit” Merrifield
— howjays (@lexinrxd) November 3, 2023
Merrifield’s 2023 season with the Blue Jays consisted of 592 plate appearances, 149 hits, 11 HR, 67 RBI, 36 BB, .272/.318/.382 (.700 OPS), 93 wRC+, and a 1.5 fWAR. As a utility and veteran player, Merrifield did his best to help the Blue Jays in offense. Merrifield had many memorable moments at the plate with the Blue Jays. Merrifield is the only Blue Jay to be named a finalist for the Silver Slugger Award.
Whit being named a Silver Slugger Award finalist can be seen as a parting gift for him as he is now a free agent, which doesn’t come as any surprise. Both the Blue Jays and Whit made the mutual decision not to agree upon an $18 million deal for the 2024 season. It makes more sense for the Blue Jays to spend that money on a younger player. Merrifield is now 34 years old and has recorded 90 home runs, 470 RBI, 201 stolen bases, 1,184 hits, and a .284 batting average in his career in MLB.
Cavan Biggio is doing it all! pic.twitter.com/oJqR59TO3K
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 8, 2023
Cavan Biggio deserves an honorable mention, as he played very strong in the second half of the regular season. He deserves recognition for his defense and offense and disciplined approach at the plate. Biggio was a player that stood out and helped the Jays win many games. He was playing with a lot of confidence that granted him more playing time in the second half of the 2023 regular season.
Whit Merrifield is the only Blue Jay to be named a 2023 Silver Slugger finalist. pic.twitter.com/szf8eL4htU
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 2, 2023
Congratulations Merrifield!
Congratulations to Whit Merrifield on being a finalist for the Silver Slugger Award for utility player. Merrifield has now added this to his list of achievements. While his time with the Blue Jays is ending, we can remember the success he brought to the team. The Blue Jays also have Santiago Espinal, who is another utility player who has potent offense. Overall, the Blue Jays have had utility players who have showcased strong potential. Utility players are essential to have as you instill a lot of trust in them because they can play more than one position.
Main Photo Credits: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
