Last updated on: August 6, 2025
Whit Merrifield was born on January 24, 1989, in Florence, South Carolina, USA. A fleet-footed second baseman and outfielder, he debuted with the Kansas City Royals on May 18, 2016 after leading South Carolina to the 2010 College World Series crown. Merrifield’s relentless contact bat paced MLB in hits in 2018 and 2019, while his daring on the bases produced stolen-base titles in 2017, 2018 and 2021. He earned All-Star nods in 2019, 2021 and 2023.
After six seasons in Kansas City, the durable utilityman was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays at the 2022 deadline, then signed with the Philadelphia Phillies before finishing 2024 with his hometown favorites, the Atlanta Braves. On June 24, 2025, the three-time All-Star retired to focus on family following the birth of his daughter. He departs with a .280 career average, 1,249 hits, 218 steals and a reputation for leadership and tireless work ethic.
As of December 2025, Whit Merrifield is 36 years and 10 months old. His estimated net worth is $15 million, and he is 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm or 1.80 m) tall.
Bio/Wiki
Full Name
Whitley David Merrifield
Nickname
Whit Merrifield
Profession
Baseball Player
Career
Debut
2012 – Northwest Arkansas Naturals
2014 – Omaha Storm Chasers
2016 – Kansas City Royals
Best Known for
Merrifield is best known for being a three-time MLB All-Star, leading the American League in stolen bases three times, and leading the majors in hits two consecutive years. He is also noted for his strong hitting ability and defensive excellence, winning the Fielding Bible Award in 2021.
Position
Second Baseman
Current team
He is now retired
Jersey Number
15
Personal life
Date of Birth
January 24, 1989
Age
As of today, Whit Merrifield is 36 years, 10 months, and 12 days old.
Zodiac sign
Aquarius
Nationality
American
Birth Place
Advance, North Carolina, United States of America
Residence
United States of America
School / College / University
Davie County High School
University of South Carolina
Religion
Christianity
Race / Ethnicity
White American
Food Habits
Every two hours, he refuels: nine eggs and oatmeal at sunrise, then a chicken-rice-veggie combo on repeat—three rounds strong. Dinner? A hefty serving of red meat, chased by two protein shakes scattered throughout the day. That seven-meal cadence helped him pack on a lean 20 pounds while keeping his trademark speed.
Hobbies
Playing Baseball
Signature
Physical Stats & More
Height
- In feet: 5′ 11″
- In Centimeters: 180 cm
- In meters: 1.80 m
Weight
- In kilograms: 88 kg
- In Pounds: 194 lbs
Body Measurements
- Chest Size: unknown
- Biceps Size: unknown
- Waist Size: unknown
Shoe size
11 (US)
Eye color
Hazel
Hair color
Black
Family
Wife
Jordan Michael (2019-Present)
Father
Bill Merrifield
Bill played college baseball as a third baseman at Wake Forest University and spent six seasons in Minor League Baseball. He later worked as an assistant athletic director at Wake Forest. Bill had a professional baseball career and was once on the Pittsburgh Pirates roster but did not play in MLB games. He has been a coach and a significant mentor in Whit’s life, especially during times Whit considered quitting baseball.
Mother
Kissy Merrifield
Kissy Merrifield. Kissy grew up in South Carolina as the youngest of six siblings and developed a strong sports background through her mother, who was a tennis coach. Kissy played tennis competitively, winning 10 state championships and receiving a scholarship to play at Wake Forest University. After Whit’s birth, she worked in social services and preschool education for many years. Kissy remains very proud of Whit’s baseball achievements.
Siblings
Hite Merrifield (Brother)
Costner Merrifield (Sister) (Real Estate Broker)
Children
A daughter born in 2024. Her name is not known.
Relationship & More
Marital Status
Married to Jordan Michael
Marriage Date
December 28, 2019
Girlfriend and Dating History
Jordan Michael (2019-Present)
Net worth 2025
$15 million
As of December 2025, it’s estimated that Whit Merrifield has a net worth of about $15 million. He built his baseball fortune the old-school way — consistent performance, versatility, and showing up every single day. Across nine MLB seasons, he quietly banked over $33 million, mostly from team contracts, with a few small brand deals sprinkled in. No flash, just steady work and smart moves.
MLB Salary: The Big Piece of the Pie
Let’s start with what really paid the bills: his MLB contracts. Merrifield earned his keep with four clubs — the Royals, Blue Jays, Phillies, and Braves — but Kansas City was where he made his name (and his first big money).
Career Earnings Breakdown:
| Team | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Kansas City Royals | $16.3 million |
| Toronto Blue Jays | $9.7 million |
| Philadelphia Phillies | $6.7 million |
| Atlanta Braves (2024) | ~$274,000 |
| TOTAL | $33.0+ million |
Early on, Whit was earning league minimum. By 2019, the Royals saw his value and locked him into a four-year, $16.25 million extension. That gave him steady income even before he hit free agency. He made another $7 million with the Phillies in early 2024 before being released midseason and signing a $740,000 short-term deal with Atlanta.
He also received a $1 million buyout when Philly declined his 2025 option.
Draft Bonus? A Modest Start
Back in 2010, Merrifield was selected in the 9th round by Kansas City and signed for a $100,000 bonus. Not huge, but a solid start for a college player. He worked his way up from the minors without any big signing-day headlines — just grit and grind.
Endorsements: Not His Main Game
Whit wasn’t the face of Nike or Gatorade — but he did pop up in a few local campaigns.
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In 2019, he teamed up with Boulevard Brewing Co. for a Kansas City-based campaign called “Unfiltered Whit.” It matched his clean image and steady play.
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He’s also been lightly involved in some local food partnerships, but nothing major or nationally known.
Let’s put it this way: endorsements weren’t his cash cow — his glove, bat, and legs did most of the talking (and earning).
