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Ranking the top 10 MLB free agents on the upcoming market

By Sam Aucoin

Feb 26, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a triple in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a triple in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right field Whit Merrifield (15) runs home to score against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right field Whit Merrifield (15) runs home to score against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 9: Whit Merrifield

2-hit Whit, as he was known in Kansas City, Whit Merrifield is a hit machine and has been since he got to the league back in 2016 with the Royals. He is also a plus defender and can play almost anywhere on the diamond, making him one of the most valuable players in the upcoming market.

Before getting traded to Toronto in 2022, the two-time AL leader in hits spent his first six seasons playing at Kauffman Stadium. He signed a five-year, $23 million contract to avoid arbitration. This contract took him through arb plus an extra year in 2023.

2019 was Merrifield’s best year as he had 206 hits and played in all 162 games. This was also his first All-Star appearance. Add on 20 stolen bases and 16 home runs and you got a great leadoff hitter or someone to put at the bottom of the order to set the table.

Contact hitters should fit well in any ballpark. However, as Merrifield gets into his late 30s, we could see a bit more power. If you consider what the Blue Jays have done with their outfield walls, the two-time All-Star could have another tool to show off.

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