Blue Jays, Whit Merrifield Decline Mutual Option

[RealGM Wiretap]

Whit Merrifield has become a free agent after the Toronto Blue Jays and the second baseman both declined their ends of a $18 million mutual option.

Merrifield will earn a $500,000 buyout and hit the free agent market for the first time.

The Blue Jays acquired Merrifield in a trade with the Kansas City Royals at the 2022 trade deadline.

Via Kaitlyn McGrath/The Athletic

[Sixers in 4]

Whit wouldn't have declined if he knew the Jays were going to accept. He will struggle get the vet min at this point