Padres Make Jackson Merrill Decision Before Phillies Game

Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Padres Make Jackson Merrill Decision Before Phillies Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tate Mosher | Last updated May 27, 2026 5:27 PM ET

Despite underwhelming expectations for the 2026 MLB season, the San Diego Padres have looked like the same 2020s Padres that the baseball world has been used to. The team is off to a 31-23 start, just 3.5 games behind the superteam Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the NL West.

San Diego’s ability to compete has come from their pitching rather than their offense. As of May 26, their 212 runs allowed ranks seventh best in MLB.

While they have endured slow starts from star players Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado , another star player that isn’t contributing is center fielder Jackson Merrill.

San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill (3)Chadd Cady-Imagn Images

The 23-year-old enjoyed a fantastic rookie season in 2024, even going toe-to-toe with Paul Skenes in the NL Rookie of the Year race. 2025 was a step back, but Merill was still quite productive.

Come 2026 and the outfielder’s offensive numbers have completely cratered. His defense out in center field remains effective, but his bat is yet to come around to that level like it was in previous years.

With this slump in full effect, Merrill has been moved down in the Padres lineup. “Jackson Merrill drops to seventh, the lowest he’s batted under Craig Stammen,” reported AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.

Game 55: Phillies at Padres (Sánchez vs. Buehler), 1:10 p.m. PT at Petco Park

Jackson Merrill drops to seventh, the lowest he’s batted under Craig Stammen (but certainly a sensible move with Cristopher Sánchez on the mound and Merrill struggling). pic.twitter.com/bLhz4xc3Zl
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) May 27, 2026

Facing NL Cy Young candidate Cristopher Sánchez during this stretch is certainly a tough pill to swallow, but it unfortunately does make sense for the situation.

Merrill has played in 51 games this season, putting up a .194 batting average with a .267 on-base percentage and .576 OPS. He’s hit only 4 home runs and has 19 RBIs.

Being just 23 years old, the Padres will continue to give the young outfielder run in the lineup, even if it means moving him down.

San Diego is waiting on contributions from a few different players on offense. Merrill isn’t their most pressing concern at the moment. With that said, he is an important piece of their lineup and needs to start producing soon.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: