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San Diego Padres rookie center fielder Jackson Merrill is coming off a solid 2024 season. In his debut season with the Padres, Merrill was named an All-Star for his outstanding performances. He has now added to his achievements by winning a Silver Slugger Award on Tuesday.
Merrill started the season with a tough transition to center field, being placed on the Opening Day roster despite having never played the position in the minors. He primarily played as a shortstop in the minor leagues.
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Since the establishment of the Silver Slugger Award in 1980, only 16 rookies have earned the honor. In recent years, several rookie outfielders have won the Silver Slugger Award in their debut MLB season, including Julio Rodriguez in 2022 and Aaron Judge in 2017.
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout joined this list in 2012, and before that, Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki had earned the award in 2001.
Three Padres players, including Jackson Merrill, win the Silver Slugger award
In the 2024 season, Jackson Merrill recorded a .292 batting average with 24 home runs, 90 RBIs and an .826 OPS. Besides Merrill, two other members of the San Diego Padres also won the Silver Slugger Award for their standout performances in 2024.
Outfielder Jurickson Profar and third baseman Manny Machado, along with Jackson Merrill, brought in three Silver Slugger Awards for the San Diego Padres. It marks the first award for Profar and Merrill, while it’s the second for Machado.
Jurickson Profar batted .280 for the Padres, recording 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, 76 walks and an .839 OPS. Meanwhile, Manny Machado hit 29 home runs with 105 RBIs and maintained a .275 batting average.
Jackson Merrill is also a finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year Award, alongside Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. The last time a Padres player (Benito Santiago) won the Rookie of the Year Award was in 1987.
The Rookie of the Year Award will be announced on MLB Network on Monday. The Manager of the Year award will be announced a day later, followed by the Cy Young award winner on Wednesday. The Most Valuable Player award winner will be revealed on Nov. 21.
