Phillies All-Star Offseason Addition Hints at Wanting to Play for Braves

A Philadelphia Phillies offseason addition suggests he wanted to play for the Atlanta Braves.

The Philadelphia Phillies didn't make many moves this offseason.

With a team full of talent, it wasn't surprising to see them take that route. If they stay healthy, they have more than enough to win the World Series. 

It was expected early in the offseason that the Phillies would have a quiet winter and Dave Dombrowski operated in exactly that fashion.

However, there was a sneaky addition that most don't seem to be talking about.

That addition was none other than three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield.

The super utilityman, who has his flaws on the field, is coming off an impressive season in 2023 where he slashed .272/.318/.382. 

If he can produce the same way he has for most of his career, this was a smart, cheap deal from Dombrowski. 

For someone who can play every outfield spot and second base, Merrifield will give Philadelphia versatility. He should also have an opportunity to play most games given his ability to play multiple positions.

However, Merrifield made recent comments that aren't exactly the best for Phillies fans to hear.

In an appearance on "Foul Territory TV," Merrifield had the following to say:

"Being in Philly, I rather not. I want to be close to home, I live in North Carolina. There's one team that's the closest proximity to my house that we don't like over here. So I rather not say who else I would like to go play for."

"There was really like 3 teams that I was willing to ...come off of my stance of wanting to play second base every day for...and Philly was one of them"@WhitMerrifield talks free agency on #FTLive
▶️ https://t.co/h3dqpQOv6y pic.twitter.com/YEydVcmi0j

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 13, 2024

From the sound of things, it sounds like Merrifield is speaking about the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies' biggest rival.

It's uncertain if the Braves had an offer out for Merrifield or if it was just one of the three teams he would've played for.

Him wanting to play there isn't surprising given he's from the area and is in the back end of his career.

Either way, Merrifield landed in Philadelphia and seems to understand that they don't get along with Atlanta.