San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill has stood out in his matchups against the Los Angeles Dodgers, boasting a .351 batting average, .377 on-base percentage, and .509 slugging percentage across 15 career games. His 20 hits against Los Angeles surpass those he has recorded against any other team since debuting in 2024. As the Padres continue their pursuit of the Dodgers in the National League West standings, Merrill’s contributions are key. As of Monday, the two teams are separated by just one game, making their rivalry more intense.
Merrill’s Focus Amid High-Stakes Competition
Despite the tension surrounding the NL West race, Merrill emphasizes concentrating on his team’s approach rather than overthinking the rivalry. He told the San Diego Union-Tribune,
“Of course, we see it, but we’re playing our own game, not really trying to think about it right now. Just play our own game and it’ll come.”
This mindset reflects why the Padres placed considerable trust in Merrill, offering him a nine-year, $135 million contract extension in April, set to begin next year with an option for 2035.
Rising Star in San Diego’s Outfield
Merrill became the Padres’ everyday center fielder as a 21-year-old rookie last season and quickly established himself as an emerging star. His excellent 2024 campaign earned him a Silver Slugger Award, a ninth-place finish in National League MVP voting, an All-Star selection in Arlington, Texas, and a runner-up nod for NL Rookie of the Year. Starting the season as the No. 9 hitter, Merrill steadily climbed the lineup, finishing as the No. 5 hitter in 2024 and frequently batting fourth this season, right behind Manny Machado.
Performance Trends and Defensive Value
While Merrill’s batting numbers have declined somewhat this year, with a .261 average, .320 on-base percentage, and .406 slugging percentage through Monday, his defensive skills in center field remain strong. According to Baseball Reference, only Fernando Tatis Jr. (4.9 Wins Above Replacement), Manny Machado (3.7), and Xander Bogaerts (2.3) have had a greater impact than Merrill (1.7 WAR) among National League players to that point.
Upcoming Games Intensify NL West Battle
Following games against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Padres will have a travel day on Thursday before hosting the Dodgers for the first of three critical matchups on Friday. This series will likely influence the race for the National League West title, as the Dodgers have dominated the division by finishing first in each of the last three seasons. The Padres, meanwhile, have finished as runners-up twice during that period and placed third in 2023, fueling a recurring narrative of chasing their rivals.
Postseason Rivalry Adds to the Stakes
The rivalry between the Padres and Dodgers has intensified beyond the regular season, marked notably by their encounters in the National League Division Series. Last October’s matchup highlighted the competitiveness, with Los Angeles overcoming a 2-1 series deficit to advance to the NL Championship Series. Although they had never met in the playoffs before 2020, these two teams have now faced off three times in five years, creating a fierce postseason rivalry. While many fans eagerly anticipate a possible rematch, Merrill remains committed to focusing on the present challenges rather than looking ahead.