"Thank You baseball!," Mercer wrote on his personal Twitter account. "Thank you for the opportunity and love you have given me. I hope I loved you back just as much. Thank you to the ones that have supported me, especially my family every step of way. It’s Time!! Excited for the next chapter." The 35-year-old infielder batted .254/.307/.364 in 46 games (127 plate appearances) last season with the Nationals.

The Nationals attempted to play spoiler on Sunday afternoon but were unable to edge the Red Sox in their season finale. Mercer kicked off the scoring with an RBI double against Chris Sale in the second inning and also added an RBI ground out in the fifth inning off righty reliever Garrett Richards. The 35-year-old veteran infielder finishes the 2021 campaign hitting .254/.307/.364 with two homers across 127 plate appearances.

Mercer has been out since July with a strained calf but is healthy enough now to contribute in the final weeks.

Mercer has struggled to stay healthy, battling numerous leg issues over the last few months. Carter Kieboom has been recalled from Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move.