When Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies was plagued with injuries in the 2024 season, the team found an unexpected answer. Whit Merrifield appeared to put his career back on track, putting together a solid season in a depth role with the Braves. Multiple times, the infielder was called on to fill a starting role with Atlanta's 2024 season being defined by consistent injuries. It appears that a Braves uniform will be the last one Merrifield wears as the veteran has decided to call it a career. This doesn't come as a surprise with Merrifield hinting at his retirement at the end of the 2024 season.
The veteran wanted to spend time with his family and walk away from the game on a better note. Atlanta allowed the infielder this chance after what has been a solid career. All told, the infielder finished as a .280 hitter with 1,249 hits, and his best moments came in a Kansas City Royals uniform. While Merrifield is unlikely to find his way to Cooperstown, the veteran deserves respect for an incredibly productive career.
Former Braves Infielder Whit Merrifield Retires
Congratulations on an amazing run @WhitMerrifield. We’re beyond grateful to have been a part of the journey every step of the way.#TeamWSM pic.twitter.com/MW6zgsxnXJ
— Warner Sports Management (@WSM_Baseball) June 24, 2025
Considering the number of teams that could use infield bench depth (including Atlanta), it seems that Merrifield's decision is entirely his own. The Braves could use the veteran in place of Luke Williams or any number of past options. There is even an argument to be made that Merrifield might offer more consistent value at second than Ozzie Albies, who remains mired in frustration.
Regardless, the point remains that it appears Merrifield was afforded the ability to go out on his own terms and enjoy focusing on the next steps in life after baseball. The veteran made well over $34 million in his career, making the most of a short peak before transitioning into a depth role.
For Atlanta, this serves as a reminder of the lost depth the team refused to replace in the 2025 offseason and how it continues to cost the franchise. No question, despite Merrifield's short time in Atlanta, the infielder will be missed and remains a fun piece of recent team history.