Whit Merrifield called Kansas City a “second home to my family and I” in announcing his retirement on Tuesday. Merrifield spent parts of his first seven major league seasons with the Royals, starting in 2016. He played second base most of his nine-year career, including stops with the Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves.

Merrifield twice led the American League in hit (192 in 2018, 206 in 2019), had a league-best 10 triples in 2019, three times led the AL in steals (34, 45, 40) and was a .286 hitter in seven seasons with the Royals.

Whit Merrifield, who previously starred for the Kansas City Royals and the Toronto Blue Jays, has officially announced his retirement from baseball. Robert Murray of Fansided shared his statement on social media.