Former New York Mets general manager Steve Phillips went on MLB Network Radio to discuss the recent contract extension of San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill. At just 21 years old, Merrill signed a nine-year deal worth $135 million.
Merrill won National League Rookie of the Year during the 2024 MLB season, which is also a season that saw San Diego make the playoffs. Now, the Padres are off to a strong start in 2025, and he’s one of the most important players on San Diego’s roster.
With it being Merrill’s second season in the majors, will there be any signs of a sophomore slump?
Former New York Mets General Manager Steve Phillips Praises Jackson Merrill
As mentioned, Phillips appeared on MLB Network Radio and talked about the kind of player Merrill is. The Mets’ former general manager from 1997-2003 said, “What an extraordinary season he had last year. The jump right out of spring training to play centerfield, never had played there before. Not only did he play a great centerfield, he was a major force offensively. A guy that came up in the clutch. A guy that’s seemingly not missing a beat.
“There’s no sophomore jinx going on with him. He’s swinging the bat well. First home run for him yesterday. Padres are playing well, and Jackson Merrill’s in the center of it.”
In seven games to start the 2025 season, Merrill has a .417 batting average (10-of-24) with two home runs and eight RBIs. He’s also walked on two occasions with four strikeouts and an on-base percentage of .444.
If he keeps this pace, Merrill could be one of the front-runners for National League MVP.
Merrill was an All-Star during his rookie season a year ago. In 156 games, he batted .292 with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs, along with 16 stolen bases. He was walked 29 times and had an on-base percentage of .326.
It looks like the Padres have their next superstar for the next 10 to 15 years, with Merrill having the opportunity to go down as one of the all-time greats in franchise history. Should he succeed, he would join other top players in Padres history, like Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffman, and Dave Winfield. Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. could also be in that conversation.
Merrill was the 27th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Severna Park High School in Maryland. It was clearly the right pick for San Diego, and Merrill looks poised to have a great career with the Padres.
