As part of MLB’s contractual language, mutual options are often introduced in deals so that team and player have an option to decide their immediate and future fate.
This was the specific case of the Toronto Blue Jays and Whit Merrifield.
Merrifield spent the last two seasons with the Jays, but both parties decided to decline their parts of their mutual option, according to the team.
“The Blue Jays and Whit Merrifield have both declined the $18M mutual option on his contract for next season, the club announced,” Sportsnet tweeted.
The Blue Jays and Whit Merrifield have both declined the $18M mutual option on his contract for next season, the club announced. pic.twitter.com/cIuu0fUxHB
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 3, 2023
Had both parties opted into the option, Merrifield would have played the 2024 campaign in Toronto with a $18 million salary.
If one of the parties declines their side of the option, the contractual relationship ends.
In this case, both parties decided to look for greener pastures.
The decision is understandable for both sides.
Merrifield is close to turning 35, so this is probably his last chance at a multi-year deal.
It’s not clear if a team will be willing to give him one, but there is a chance and he has decided to pursue it.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays think that they can find a better and cheaper player than Merrifield, who despite stealing 26 bases returned a rather disappointing .700 OPS and 11 home runs.
All things considered, Merrifield is a useful player who has some pop, speed, and defensive versatility.
He can play the infield (second base) and also left field, making him a worthwhile addition but at the right price.
$18 million, in this case, is not the right price, but the market will, as always, dictate his earnings.
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