Jackson Merrill burst on the scene in 2024 with a rookie season that saw him finish second in MLB Rookie of the Year voting behind Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. Merrill entered that Spring Training as a 20-year-old looking to show new Padres Manager Mike Shildt that he deserved a spot on the roster.
Mike Shildt confirms that Jackson Merrill will be a part of the Padres traveling party going to Korea.
Shildt: "He's earned his way on the plane, he's earned what's coming after the plane. He's done a great job and couldn't be happier for him.