Padres' Jackson Merrill Has Priceless Exchange With Young Fan

Merrill's energy also helped the Padres earn a 7-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. He helped the Padres score their first run of the game by scoring from first on a ground ball to third base and an error.

His energy from the start of the matchup reached the rest of the dugout as the offense finally came to life with help from a lineup change.

"Jackson made a great play, great read getting to home," manager Craig Stammen said. “He can provide that energy. He slides in, jumps around, got that youthful energy. That’s contagious and kind of helps us get going."

Jackson Merrill Takes on Leadership Role With Padres in 2026

The 22-year-old Merrill chose to remain with the Padres this spring instead ofparticipating in the World Baseball Classic throughout March. Merrill's decision has already paid dividends given he's brought an energetic leadership to the clubhouse early in 2026.

“It has taken the pressure off of myself, Manny [Machado, Xander Bogaerts] to be the guy all the time,” Joe Musgrove said to the San Diego Union-Tribune this spring of Merrill's leadership. “We’ve got six guys in here that can be the guy. And if somebody is maybe not ready for that speech or by their performance, they feel ‘I’m not the guy,’ then [another] guy can step up. We’ve got to pick each other up a little more to be like a strong leadership group.”

“He didn’t step on anyone’s toes,” added Machado. “He just came in here, he wanted to work. He didn’t really want any of the B.S. He just wanted to work and play baseball. And we respect that."

The offense was sluggish to start the season as the Padres began the year with five consecutive games in which they’d scored three runs or fewer. The Friars hadn't begun a season with six games of three runs or fewer since their inaugural 1969 campaign.

Merrill made sure to change that.

“It’s just me playing aggressively,” Merrill said. “Have that energy, come to the clubhouse at nine in the morning and wake everybody up. That’s what I love to do.”

While the Padres finished their homestand with a 2-4 record, Stammen promised fans that wouldn't be the case in the future.

“We’re going to play better here at Petco,” Stammen said. “That’s what we’ve done in the past, and we’re going to continue to do it.”

Merrill figures to play a big role in that, both with his play and the energy he brings day in and day out.

“I’m ready to bring that energy every day, No. 1,” Merrill said to the Tribune this spring. “That’s something I have to do is bring that energy, same smile, same eff-you attitude to the field. And then also just come in and don’t be afraid to speak. If I see something that can help the team, say it, don’t hold back. I’m ready to just be that guy, be the leader I’m supposed to be and play like I’m supposed to.

"That’s my [biggest] goal.”

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