Toronto Blue Jays fans were left on edge following the departure of outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, who was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for a pair of pitchers.
Obviously, many have criticized the team’s management for having sent Hernandez to other places when he had been part of the team’s offensive core for a few years already, and this, without having observed that this movement of personnel had a budgetary connotation.
The Jays needed to find a way to save money to afford to keep their young players in Toronto, and Hernandez had become a bargaining chip that helped improve the reliever staff.
Following this transaction, several question marks persist and the arrival of Kevin Kiermaier, who signed a one-year pact a few days ago, does not meet all expectations. Although the latter was told that a starting position was granted to him in anticipation of the next season, he does not represent a significant improvement in comparison with Hernandez.
Could another member of the current roster step up and push Kiermaier to the limit? The answer most likely lies with Whit Merrifield. The latter, after having been adequately vaccinated, landed in Toronto during the last season from Kansas City.
The 33-year-old Merrifield is a veteran who has played for the Royals since joining the Majors in 2016. Merrifield believes he can play a bigger role in Toronto in 2023 and says playing away from Kauffman Stadium represents a blessing for him.
The one who can play both infield and outfield is happy to look forward to next season with a team that aspires to high honors and he is convinced that his batting could help the Jays to achieve their goals.
In 2022, Merrifield hit 11 long balls, including five in just 44 games in a Jays uniform, while he hit six in 95 games in a Royals uniform. A well-used Merrifield could pay dividends for John Schneider.
So far, Ross Atkins has yet to find the perfect solution to move George Springer down the right while still having a good left-handed hitter. Yes, Kevin Kiermaier is hitting from the left, but he’s never been a real offensive threat. In addition, the one who was once considered an excellent defensive outfielder, has lost his prowess over time.
Even if Merrifield strikes from the right, he could prove to be a great insurance policy, especially since he will be able to add power to his arsenal by playing in a stadium that favors hitters more than in Kansas City.
In 2023, expect to see a more visible and productive Whit Merrifield in his first full season in Toronto.
