San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill’s excellent play this early in his career draws comparisons to a future Hall of Famer. In itself, that doesn’t merit much consideration. Living in the age of player comparison brings praise.
However, with that praise comes an expectation that, whether right or wrong, adheres to the player. Now, in their defense, most athletes do not place that responsibility upon themselves. In fact, they already hold the hopes of an entire organization in their hands, without the label of likening them to greatness.
Merrill’s start to his MLB journey elicited cheers and equivalence to one of the best players of the last 15 seasons: Freddie Freeman.
Padres OF Jackson Merrill’s Plate Approach’s Striking Resemblance
With most of the spotlight beaming down on MVP candidate Fernando Tatís Jr., Padres centerfielder Jackson Merrill continues to find his way to superstardom. Last year, the 2024 All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner slashed .292/.326/.500 (batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage).
In the process, the Padres inked the lefty swinger to a nine-year, $135 million deal that keeps him in San Diego until 2035, when he turns 32. After returning from a month-long hamstring injury, Merrill put on a show against the New York Yankees, batting .500 with one home run and two runs batted in his eight at-bats on May 6 and 7.
This prompted MLB insider Tom Verducci to draw quite the parallel between Merrill and Freeman.
“I am so impressed,” Verducci said when discussing Merrill’s matchup with Max Fried, finding success against the pitcher’s dangerous sweeper. “Here’s my comp: Freddie Freeman. I know it’s high praise, but look at the swings; almost identical. Guys who hit with their hands, high have a steep path to the baseball, and cover every place in the zone.”
“I don’t use that comp lightly … Jackson Merrill is pretty darn close.”
While Verducci does possess a wealth of knowledge, unmatched by many who cover the game, he may need to pump the brakes. However, from a technical standpoint, Verducci makes sense. Merrill does keep his hands high, helping him reach pitches that many hitters can’t touch.
The higher hand placement works, but it brings potential trouble. First, batters who start lower with their hands take a direct path to the baseball without a hitch. Meanwhile, players like Freeman and Merrill need to drop their hands. As a result, that swing starts with an extra step before swinging through.
Now, if you possess excellent bat control and bat speed, you can compensate for the additional move. However, with Freeman presumably on his way to Cooperstown upon his retirement and Merrill headed for elite status, you cannot argue with a swing that works.
Can Merrill duplicate Freeman’s success at the plate? Remember, Freeman displays better patience and plate discipline, sporting a career .388 on-base percentage to Merrill’s .335. The 21-year-old possesses better speed that turns singles into doubles and doubles into triples, so he could raise his slugging percentage as he gets comfortable.
On the other hand, Freeman plays first base, which is easier than the toll playing center field takes on your body. Those nagging strains and bruises can affect availability and performance. On balance, if Merrill emulates the offensive career of any player, you cannot find a better example of a professional hitter than Freeman.