San Diego Padres star outfielder Jackson Merrill has taken a small step back from his stellar rookie campaign in 2024, but he still is a critical part to the team, especially in their hunt for the NL West crown along with their biggest rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Padres currently lead the NL West by one game over the Boys in Blue, and obviously that has to be on the Friars’ mind going forward, but Merrill will tell you differently.
“Of course, we see it, but we’re playing our own game, not really trying to think about it right now,” Merrill told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “Just play our own game and it’ll come.”
It’s good to see that the young star’s thoughts are in the right place, focusing on what’s ahead and mentally preparing instead of basking in what short-lived glory the team could face now.
Making the Padres’ Opening Day roster last year as a 21-year-old, Merrill’s first year resulted in a top-10 finish in NL MVP voting, an All-Star Game selection, a runner-up to Paul Skenes in the National League Rookie of the Year running, and also a Silver Slugger Award.
Through 88 games played in the 2025 season, Merrill is currently batting .263 with nine homers and 51 runs batted in.
