"The best center fielder in the National League" - MLB analyst says only Aaron Judge above Padres rookie Jackson Merrill at number 8

Rookie Jackson Merrill has been a huge reason why the Padres have remained competitive this season. Although the center fielder has just over 100 MLB games under his belt, some experts are already making some bold comparisons.

On a recent edition of his podcast, Flippin' Bats, MLB analyst Ben Verlander was discussing the favorites to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Verlander claimed that Merrill, despite his inexperience, is to be considered alongside some of the most elite names in baseball:

"Forget who's a rookie, who's a veteran, I don't care. Jackson Merrill has been the best center fielder in the National League. The second-best center fielder in all of baseball."

According to Verlander, Merrill is second only to New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge at the position in all of baseball. Verlander referenced the fact that Merrill's 3.0 WAR is second among center fielders, behind only Judge's MLB-best 8.1 figure.

A 21-year-old native of Baltimore, Jackson Merrill was selected by the San Diego Padres with their 27th overall pick in the 2021 draft. After a strong showing in the minor leagues in 2023, Merrill was added to the Padres' roster ahead of 2024 opening day.

It's now safe to say that the 6-foot-3 outfielder has overcome virtually every single expectation that was placed on him. Now a .289/.321/.479 hitter in 116 games this season, Merrill has also connected for 17 home runs, 19 doubles, and 64 RBIs, alongside thirteen stolen bases.

"There goes NL Rookie of the Year, Jackson Merril" - Ben Verlander

Jackson Merrill propels red-hot Padres towards another win

On August 12, Merrill made another incredible play. With the Padres leading the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 in the ninth inning, Bryan Reynolds sent a liner to center field. Merrill covered some serious ground, and came up with the catch. As former Rookie of the Year Fred Lynn told the San Diego Union-Tribute after the win:

“(Merrill) wins by a mile, he’s an everyday player. He would get my vote all day long. Against a starting pitcher? C’mon."

Now 17-3 over their past twenty, the Padres have MLB's best record since July 20. Now 3.5 games behind Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers in the NL West division, it looks like the stage is set for some late-season drama in the division. For the Padres, keeping Merrill in their order will be an integral part of the strategy.