Oct 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos (8) celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk off game winning RBI single during the ninth inning against the New York Mets in game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher
When Whit Merrifield signed with the Phillies back in February, he pictured himself as one of the missing pieces to help the team get over the hump in October.
Things didn't play out that way, as Merrifield was released in July after posting just a .572 OPS in 53 games with the Phillies. He caught on the with the injured-riddled Atlanta Braves and spent the rest of the season with them, before being eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the San Diego Padres.
Still, Merrifield didn't end on bad terms with the Phillies, just an acknowledgement that things failed to pan out in red pinstripes. The best evidence of that is the former All-Star was ecstatic at the walk-off hit that Nick Castellanos had for the Phillies in Game 2 of the NLDS.
Casty so clutch it’s unbelievable!!
Now that the Braves are out, Merrifield has some reason to root for the Phillies. If they win the World Series, he'll get a ring for having been part of the 2024 team. He's also going to make $1 million from the Phillies in 2025, the buyout for his $8 million option not being picked up.
All that acknowledged, Merrifield's locker was near Castellanos' in the clubhouse. He got to see first hand how hard Castellanos worked in a season where he ended up playing all 162 regular-season games. Merrifield was well-liked by his teammates, so it's not surprising that he finds himself rooting for the Phillies.
