Padres' Jackson Merrill: Will play SS and OF this spring
The Padres plan to play Merrill both at shortstop and in the outfield during spring training, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.
Merrill is a good defender at shortstop and might be the future at the position for the Padres. However, Xander Bogaerts is expected to play there in 2024 and the team is light on established options in the outfield, so Merrill may have a clearer path to reaching the big leagues if he can emerge as a viable defender in the outfield. Merrill already made five starts in left field in 2023 with Double-A San Antonio and has the athleticism to handle center field if the Padres want to go that route. There's no indication at this point that a long-term position switch is on the table for the top prospect, but it's something to monitor in spring training.
More News
-
Padres' Jackson Merrill: Slugs second homer Sunday
• -
Padres' Jackson Merrill: Riding pine Saturday
• -
Padres' Jackson Merrill: Prevents shutout with late blast
• -
Padres' Jackson Merrill: Swats second spring homer
• -
Padres' Jackson Merrill: Pops homer to conclude postseason
• -
Padres' Jackson Merrill: Productive in blowout win
•
