DETROIT, MI - JULY 3: Whit Merrifield #15 of the Kansas City Royals during an at-bat against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Comerica Park on July 3, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo ...

Whit Merrifield was never meant to be part of the Atlanta Braves 2024 plans and vice versa. Had things gone fully to plan, he would have been a division opponent during a division race to the end.