Jackson Merrill came into Opening Day with a lot of excitement following a fantastic rookie season, but the 21-year-old made sure to back it up with more than just words. Merrill had a historic performance in front of a record crowd at Petco Park, driving in four runs and leading the San Diego Padres to a 7-4 comeback victory over the Atlanta Braves.Merrill became the first player under the age of 21 to drive in four or more runs on Opening Day since Jason Heyward in 2010. Not a bad start to what looks to be a breakout sophomore season for the Padres’ rising star.
Merrill made his presence felt right away. With Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado on base, Merrill hit a two-run single into center field off a two-strike fastball from Braves star Chris Sale. He went on to hit an RBI groundout in the third and a sacrifice fly in the clinching seventh inning.
Jackson Merrill expects to dominate for the Padres in 2025.
“It’s a good challenge to have some recognition going into the year,” Merrill remarked before the game. “But I want to prove that I’m better than I was last year.”
Merrill, a 20-year-old rookie, hit.292/.326/.500 last year, with 24 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. Despite his spectacular season, he finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, trailing Paul Skenes. As a result, he no longer felt bitter, but rather motivated.
“It’s just like a little chip on the shoulder, you know?” Merrill informed The Athletic. “I’m proud of those who won it. I was proud of Paul. He had an excellent year. I’m not going crazy over it.”
Merrill, an All-Star and Silver Slugger, is already proving that last season was not a fluke. More impressively, he is doing it with maturity that belies his age.
“I want to be here long term,” he stated of his future in San Diego. “I understand my value and worth. I want to be here. But I’m not going to try to defraud them and take their money.”
While the Padres had to overcome Michael King’s rocky start, Merrill and his teammates erased a 4-3 deficit with a four-run seventh inning. Manny Machado contributed two doubles and two stolen bases, marking another career first, and pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets knotted the game with a solo shot.
Merrill, the symbol of a new era in San Diego, is taking on his role with confidence and humility. He is not just the Padres’ future face, but he is also making history.
Merrill, who is only 21 years old, reminded everyone on Thursday that he is not only here to play, but also to lead.
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