Former Blue Jays player Whitt Merrifield recently spoke to the media in which he discussed why he did not re-sign with the team following a solid season that was rewarded by an all-star game selection.
Merrifield said that he thought he would re-sign with the Blue Jays and wanted to but that GM Ross Atkins told him that they Jays were planning on making a big signing which is why they did not make him an offer.
Former Blue Jay @WhitMerrifield comments on his free agency and departing from Toronto with @JDBunkis . #TOTHECORE
Most fans assume that Atkins meant the Blue Jays were trying to sign Ohtani which as everyone knows, did not work out.
Merrifield ended up signing a one year deal with the Phillies in the off-season worth $8 million.