Jackson Merrill highlights Padres' second half performance in 2026 season

Jackson Merrill emerged as a key player for the San Diego Padres in 2026, significantly contributing to their second-half surge. After a challenging first half, he achieved a career milestone with a 20/20 season, finishing with 26 home runs and 27 stolen bases. Merrill's performance reflects a recovery from injuries endured in the previous season. With a total of 173 runs scored and batted in, and despite concerns over an increased strikeout rate, Merrill's metrics indicate potential for growth in the upcoming 2027 season.

• 1:00 AMYahoo Sports — The second half surge