Jackson Merrill's 2024 baseball season was nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in his recognition as the National League Rookie of the Year runner-up. Transitioning from shortstop to center field for the San Diego Padres, Merrill excelled despite limited experience, making history as one of the youngest players to start in center field on opening day.

His impressive performance included a .292 batting average, 24 home runs, and leading all NL rookies in several key categories. Merrill's clutch hitting and stellar defense contributed significantly to the Padres' return to the playoffs, showcasing his potential as a rising star in Major League Baseball.