Whit Merrifield called Kansas City a “second home to my family and I” in announcing his retirement on Tuesday. Merrifield spent parts of his first seven major league seasons with the Royals, starting in 2016. He played second base most of his nine-year career, including stops with the Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves.

Three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, who led Major League Baseball in hits during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, has announced his retirement.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Former Kansas City Royals All-Star Whit Merrifield has officially announced his retirement following nine seasons in Major League Baseball. Merrifield made his MLB debut as a 27-year-old with the Royals in 2016. He played 863 games with the Royals and left the team in 2022 when he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.