Padres' Jackson Merrill Benched, Seeks New Rock, Paper, Scissors Competitor

San Diego's slumping center fielder was given Saturday's game off to help reset as he looks to regain his rookie form.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:10pm

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San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill, one of the highest-paid players in the league, was benched against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday after opening the season 5-for-27 with one home run and four RBIs. Merrill, the 2024 NL All-Star who signed a nine-year, $135 million contract last April, has yet to match his rookie effort, highlighted by a Silver Slugger Award. However, the 22-year-old remains a popular figure among fans, as evidenced by his recent game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with a youngster at Petco Park.

Why it matters

Merrill's early-season struggles are a concern for the Padres, who are hoping the young star can regain his form and help the team's struggling offense. The team's decision to bench him against a left-handed pitcher suggests they are taking a proactive approach to get Merrill back on track.

The details

In the Padres' opening five games this season, the team failed to produce more than three runs in a game. Merrill provided a first-inning spark last Wednesday, scoring from first base on a grounder to third base and an error, helping the Padres to a 7-1 win over the San Francisco Giants. However, Merrill's highlights have been few to start this season, as he opened the campaign 5-for-27 with one home run and four RBIs.

  • Merrill was benched against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • Merrill engaged in an intense game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with a youngster late in last Wednesday's game at Petco Park.

The players

Jackson Merrill

A 22-year-old center fielder for the San Diego Padres who signed a nine-year, $135 million contract last April. Merrill was the 2024 NL All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner, but has yet to match that production this season.

Connelly Early

A left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who faced the Padres on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The kid asked me to play Rock, Paper, Scissors for an autograph, and he asked me for, like, three straight innings. So I finally turned around and played, and I actually won. Credit to myself. I never win Rock, Paper, Scissors, but I actually won.”

— Jackson Merrill, Padres Center Fielder

What’s next

The Padres will monitor Merrill's progress and performance during his time off, and will likely reinsert him into the lineup once they feel he is ready to regain his form.

The takeaway

Merrill's early-season struggles highlight the challenges young stars can face in living up to lucrative contracts, but the Padres' decision to bench him shows they are committed to getting him back on track. Merrill's popularity with fans, as seen in his Rock, Paper, Scissors game, suggests he remains an important part of the team's future.