MLB analyst ranks Jackson Merrill ahead of Aaron Judge as the most thrilling center fielder of 2024

The San Diego Padres hit the jackpot when they chose Jackson Merrill. The Friars drafted the young stud as the 27th overall pick of the 2021 MLB Draft, and Merrill needed just one season in the majors to showcase what he could do. This led to the outfielder being nominated in the Top 3 of the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

In a recent edition of the MLB Now's Top 10 on MLB Network, analyst Chris Young had nothing but high praises for the 21-year-old Padre, as the latter finished as the second-ranked center fielder of 2024 in their list.

"He was by far the most exciting center fielder in baseball last year and that's even counting Aaron Judge," Carter said. (0:56-0:59)

In addition, analyst Brian Kenny discussed how Jackson Merrill had a seamless transition from playing shortstop his entire career to a center fielder when he entered the majors.

"Jackson Merrill had a spectacular rookie season. He was a shortstop early on in his career but transitioned to the outfield role upon entering the big leagues. He played in 156 games and hit .292 and did it all," said Kenny. (0:03 onwards)

Merrill finished just shy of the top center fielder spot that was taken by Mariners All-Star Julio Rodriguez. Amongst the young Padre's stats are the impressive defensive numbers he tallied.

The young gun finished in the top ten of outs above average and fielding run value among all center fielders. In addition, he's also within the 90th percentile when it comes to average arm strength, clocking in at 90.8 miles/hour.

Jackson Merrill's impressive rookie year stats

Brian Kenny and Chris Young further sang Jackson Merrill's praises by stating that if he can continue with the momentum he built last season, he will be the top dog among all center fielders next year.

"If he can replicate his rookie year, he would be one of the best center fielders in the game," said Kenny.

"If he can repeat what he did in 2024, he will absolutely be top one. I believe in him," Young suggested.

In the 156 games played, Merrill boasted a .292/.326/.500 slash with an OPS of .826. He accompanied this with 24 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. For his amazing season, he was selected as an All-Star, named to the All-MLB Second Team, and won the Silver Slugger Award.