The San Diego Padres have devised a strategy to address positional needs by capitalizing on their abundance of talented shortstops. As part of this plan, both Jurickson Profar and Jackson Merrill are expected to transition to the outfield.
“He’s versatile… We do want to kind of read the tea leaves and get him in the outfield and let him see what that looks like.”
— Mike Shildt via San Diego Union-Tribune
The San Diego Padres are currently facing a crowded situation in the middle infield with the presence of Ha-Seong Kim and Xander Bogaerts. Depending on the specific matchup, Jurickson Profar might also find himself playing in the infield.
Nevertheless, the Padres’ second-ranked prospect in their farm system, Jackson Merrill, has expressed his willingness to play any position on the field, showcasing his versatility and team-oriented mindset.
“I feel like I’ve been given a pretty good opportunity to come and compete for a job anywhere on the field… Last (spring) was more like a learning phase for me. I kind of knew I wasn’t gonna break with the team. I was still coming to play as myself and do the best I can. But I feel like this year is very important to me to come and show what I can do and show that I can help the team, be a part of this clubhouse and (play) a productive role in the championship we’re trying to win.”
— Jackson Merrill via the San Diego Union-Tribune
Although Jackson Merrill had a limited experience of playing five games in left field last year during his time in Double-A, it is likely that he will require further opportunities and experience in that position before receiving his first call-up to the major leagues. However, there are signs that his promotion could come sooner rather than later, as evidenced by his locker placement between Jake Cronenworth and Xander Bogaerts, which suggests that the team has high expectations for him and his phone could ring with a promotion in the near future.
“I just see it as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to help. We have great guys around the field already. So whatever position needs to be filled … that’s what I want to do. I want to be a productive person on the team. I don’t want to just kind of be the same guy every day. Do something different every day, try to help the team win one way or another.”
— Jackson Merrill via San Diego Union-Tribune
The debut of Jackson Merrill is not a matter of “if,” but rather one of “when,” “why,” and “where.”
