FIRED UP: Jackson Merrill ‘Ready for Battle’ as Padres’ Silent Offseason Fuels Fire

The San Diego Padres finished second in the National League West with a 93-69 record. They were able to secure a 2024 Wild Card position as a result. The Padres were sent packing for what would likely be a long winter after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.

 

There was little off-season action in San Diego this year. Jackson Merrill, a rising star, is prepared to prove to his squad that they didn’t require any glitzy new offseason signings. When asked whether the Padres’ players are aware of the rumours surrounding the team’s quiet winter, according to Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan in San Diego, Merrill.

“We don’t care,” was the response that most 22-year-olds would echo. Regardless of who we have in the locker room, I’m prepared to fight alongside them. You are a brother if you are on our team.Merrill was second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting the previous season. He raised the standard for his sophomore season by winning a Silver Slugger and being named an All-Star.

In 2024, Merrill, who hits left-handed, hit.292/.326/.500 with 16 stolen bases and 24 home homers. The youthful centerfielder ranked third among eligible NL centerfielders with a.993 fielding percentage and a 43.9% hard-hit rate.

“We don’t care,” was the answer that most people in their twenties would repeat. Whatever the person in the locker room is, I’m ready to battle with them. If you are on our squad, you are a brother.

The season before, Merrill finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year vote. As an All-Star and Silver Slugger winner, he set the bar high for his sophomore campaign. Merrill, a left-handed hitter, hit.292/.326/.500 in 2024, recording 24 home runs and 16 stolen bases. With a 43.9% hard-hit rate and a 993 fielding percentage, the young centerfielder finished third among qualifying NL centerfielders.

Third baseman Manny Machado is another prominent member of San Diego’s lineup. The seasoned Machado, who has played in 13 major league seasons, batted.Last year, 275 with 29 long balls. So far in his six years in San Diego, Machado has a.341 on-base percentage, 167 home runs, and an OPS+ of 128.

The Padres will host the Seattle Mariners on Friday afternoon to begin their Cactus League season.