Within the next week or so, the San Diego Padres’ camp is going to be a tad barren — at least among the organization’s circle of best players.
Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Mason Miller, and Xander Bogaerts will all head off to partake in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, representing several different countries. The star power will dwindle for the rest of spring training for the Friars, but one mainstay is sticking around.
Jackson Merrill, who is expected to make a prolific jump forward in his third MLB season, is hanging back with the Padres for the entirety of spring training to make sure his health is as pristine as possible ahead of the regular season.
Though we respect players wanting to represent their country in the WBC, we can definitely appreciate Merrill locking in for the 2026 regular season.
Jackson Merrill’s priority this season is to regain full health to help Padres contend for a World Series
“We’re trying to win the World Series with this team. We got a good window right now,” said Merrill in an article posted by The Athletic. “
So, I want to be as best, physically, as I can before the season, rather than ramp it up early and possibly get an injury and miss time like I did last year.
That’s a mature statement from a player who is 22 years old. It’s enticing to want to play in the World Baseball Classic. You’re on an international stage, playing alongside some of the best players this sport has to offer.
Merrill definitely belongs on a talented Team USA roster, but he’s already exhibiting a classiness that is generally reserved for seasoned veterans.
Merrill recognizes that the Padres are in a prime position to win a lot of games in 2026. He knows they are a championship contender.
So, there is no need for him to rush back to compete in the WBC after landing on the injured list three times in 2025 with a hamstring strain, a concussion, and a left ankle sprain. He is slowly working back into a mode that allows him to compete at full speed.
Padres fans should be celebrating Merrill for resisting temptation of playing in the WBC. He’s already a star on the field. Now we know he’s mentally mature and bought in on San Diego winning a World Series.
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