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San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill is coming off a remarkable rookie season for the NL West team in its run to the National League Division Series in 2024. Merrill emerged as one of the most reliable bats not only in a star-studded Padres roster but also in the entire league, thanks to his clutch home runs.
The 21-year-old shares a great bond with his teammates, and the Padres Rookie of the Year had it on display after reacting to the news of catcher Brett Sullivan joining the Aguilas Cibaenas of the Dominican Winter League on Wednesday.
Merrill reacted to a clip shared by the Cibaenas announcing their reunion with the 30-year-old catcher. The clip was of Sullivan's previous stint with the team in the Winter League.
"Sullyyyy," a hyped Merrill captioned the post.
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Brett Sullivan was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015, but he predominantly spent his time in Single-A and Double-A, never making it to the senior team during his stint.
He was traded to the Padres by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2022 and made his major league debut the following year after San Diego catcher Luis Campusano's thumb injury in April 2023.
However, Sullivan was restricted to just 17 plate appearances for the Padres this year and spent most of his time with Triple-A affiliate El Paso Chihuahuas, playing 101 games for the team.
Jackson Merrill gearing up for next season after Padres rookie's stellar 2024
While his senior teammate makes his way to the Dominican Winter League, Jackson Merrill is gearing up for the 2025 season. Merrill shared a sneak peek of his practice earlier this week, where he was seen smashing pitches with great exit velocity.
Merrill had one of the best rookie seasons in franchise history and earned a deserved All-Star call-up in July. He continued his impressive performances in the Padres' run through to the postseason.
Despite leading the MLB rookies in hits, batting average, RBIs and home runs (tied with Baltimore Orioles' Colton Cowser), Jackson Merrill finished behind Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. Skenes swept the floor with 23 out of 30 first-place votes.
