Jackson Merrill became the rookie with the most RBIs in San Diego Padres history
SAN DIEGO – On a memorable night, Jackson Merrill hit a three-run home run that cemented his place in San Diego Padres history.
Merrill reached 82 RBIs, breaking the tie he had with legendary catcher Benito Santiago.
Merrill’s season has been sensational, making him the top candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year award in MLB.
Merrill celebrated his home run and new record by taking a photo with the team’s key leaders: Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts, marking an important moment in the season for San Diego.
The Baltimore rookie has recorded 143 hits, 22 home runs, and holds a .295 average this season, a remarkable feat.
Who is Jackson Merrill?
The 21-year-old rookie making waves with the Padres.
Two words: Merrill Madness#ROY pic.twitter.com/vj7fc3sYLc
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 5, 2024
Jackson Merrill: The Padres’ bold gamble
At the start of the season, the Padres only had Fernando Tatis Jr. locked in the outfield. With the market paying high salaries and San Diego, after the death of its owner Peter Seidler, avoiding unnecessary expenses, the possibility of moving Merrill—a highly promising rookie—from the infield to center field began to gain momentum.
It was none other than Fernando Tatis Jr., who had switched from shortstop to the outfield the season before, who recommended that Merrill take a starting position in the outfield.
Even the most optimistic fans couldn’t have predicted Merrill’s spectacular rookie season. His performance has been outstanding not only at the plate but also as a center fielder.
To complement this miracle season, the Padres signed Jurickson Profar to a one-year, $1 million contract. Profar, another standout this year, has fully earned the trust placed in him.
Now, the Padres face the challenge of aiming for the World Series. But beyond that, they will have to figure out how to renegotiate the contracts of both Profar and Merrill, now two of their biggest and most unexpected stars.
