Padres star wants top prospect on Opening Day roster
As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. One San Diego Padres prospect has exemplified that saying.
Jackson Merrill has made quite the statement early on in spring training. He has wowed Fernando Tatis Jr., who Chase Izidoro from Fox 5 San Diego reported wants Merrill on the Opening Day roster.
The Padres are trying to find a spot for Merrill. He had begun playing other positions at Double-A last season, moving from shortstop to spend time at first base, second base, and left field.
Merrill entered training camp as an outfielder, a move that Tatis himself is familiar with. Although he has not spent much time in the outfield, he already looks comfortable on the grass.
Merrill has little left to prove in the minors despite being just 20 years old. A consensus top prospect, he posted a .277/.326/.444 batting line in his 511 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A. He hit 15 homers and 25 doubles while stealing 25 bases. It would have been an impressive performance for any prospect, let alone one playing against much older competition.
His production falls in line with his scouting report. MLB.com ranked Merrill as their 12th-best prospect in the game with all of his tools considered at least average. He makes excellent contact, hitting the ball to all fields with authority. Merrill began elevating the ball more last season, making it more likely that he can tap into his potential power. Add in his solid speed and arm, and Merrill should be a good fit in the outfield.
The Padres do have positional openings. Tatis is set in right field but the rest of the outfield is unsettled. Tucupita Marcano and Jose Azocar are the only other players listed as outfielders on the Padres depth chart. While Merrill could use more time in the minors to hone his craft in left, there is a spot ready for him in the majors. If Tatis Jr. is any judge, then Merrill is ready to claim his place.
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