In the course of the 2024 MLB season, the Philadelphia Phillies’ front office made several moves that they likely wish they could take back.
These decisions spanned various aspects of the game, from significant free-agent signings to trades aimed at enhancing the team’s competitiveness. The front office, led by then-president Dave Dombrowski, aimed to create a winning environment by bolstering the roster and ensuring they had depth across all positions. However, not all of their strategies panned out, leading to a disappointing conclusion to the season.
One of the most notable blunders was the signing of veteran utility player Whit Merrifield during the offseason.
The Phillies anticipated that Merrifield, a former three-time All-Star with a track record of impressive statistics, would be a key asset to the team. Coming off a solid 2023 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he posted a .272 batting average with 11 home runs and 26 stolen bases, expectations were high.
Unfortunately, Merrifield’s performance fell drastically short of those expectations. In just 53 games, he recorded a meager .199 average and a .572 OPS, resulting in his release by July.
Ironically, he later joined the Atlanta Braves, contributing to their postseason push, which further highlighted the failure of this signing.
This situation exemplifies how decisions made by the Phillies’ management did not yield the anticipated results and may haunt them as they look to improve in the coming years.
