The San Diego Padres appear to be pointed towards the postseason. The own a record of 90-66 and have a three-game lead in the National League Wild Card race.
More than likely, they won't catch the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, but will secure a Wild Card spot. Either way, October beckons, and that is a time for young stars to shine bright.
Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports believes that Rookie of the Year candidate Jackson Merrill will be the one to break out for San Diego this coming postseason.
"The Padres have several veterans who make them one of the more dangerous teams going into October, but the 21-year-old Merrill has been as important to the team's success as any other player. He has been an X-factor all season both offensively and defensively," Dorsey wrote. "But the reason Merrill will be this postseason's breakout star is that he has already proven that he lives for the big moments."
Merrill certainly has a flair for the dramatic. Dorsey went on to point out that the young slugger has hit six home runs in the eighth inning or later that either tied the game or gave the Padres the lead.
The Padres made a run to the NLCS in 2022, but ultimately missed the playoffs last year, finishing 82-80 and in third place in the NL West.
This year appears to be different for the Friars, who have excelled under new manager Mike Shildt. Merrill has been the X-factor for them all season and he'll be fun to watch in the postseason if the Padres are able to seal the deal this week and secure their spot.
Most of the focus will be on players such as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, but Merrill is a key piece to the puzzle and should be able to shine on the October stage, which could boost his Rookie of the Year case.
We'll see how he adjusts to the postseason.
