HUGE SIGNING: Brave Have Made a Shocking And Surprising Signing Of Ozzie Albies Replacement Who Will Make Phillies Fans Squirm

The Atlanta Braves’ 2024 has undoubtedly been very different from what they expected. After losing superstars Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, Atlanta faced additional obstacles on Sunday.

Max Fried (forearm) and Ozzie Albies (fractured wrist) are both on the injury list. As the season approaches its conclusion, the Braves have lost no time in making moves to compensate for their losses. The first move was to call up Nacho Alvarez from Triple-A. Monday morning’s signing could be a little more shocking.

Braves sign former Phillies utility player Whit Merrifield.
On July 12, the National League East-leading Philadelphia Phillies made a roster move that left many commentators perplexed when they released utility player Whit Merrifield to make room for Weston Wilson. Merrifield signed with the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies’ fiercest rival, on Monday.
Merrifield only appeared in 53 games this season, hitting.199 with three home runs and 11 RBIs. Looking at those figures alone, it’s easy to agree with the Phillies’ decision to release him while questioning the Braves’ decision to sign him.

The 35-year-old is a three-time All-Star with extensive experience to offer. Adding a veteran who can play several spots is critical for the Braves’ injury-plagued roster right now. While Ozzie Albies is out, Brian Snitker’s first choice at second base will be Nacho Alvarez, but Merrifield will provide a valuable backup.

Merrifield’s performance in 53 games with the Phillies suggests that he is unlikely to return to All-Star form with the Braves. However, it is not impossible. The Braves organization seemed to consistently find a way to pull the most out of some players when they wear on that uniform; consider Eddie Rosario and Jesse Chavez.

Merrifield is well-known in Braves country. The ninth-year veteran graduated from Davie County High School in Mocksville, North Carolina, and went on to play at the University of South Carolina. While these areas are still many hours from Atlanta, Merrifield may be experiencing a homecoming of sorts.