The San Diego Padres select Jackson Merrill with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft

With the 27th pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, the San Diego Padres select Jackson Merrill, a shortstop out of Severna Park, MD.

The southpaw shortstop has already made his mark as a power hitter with good bat speed and even better contact. He has good agility to move around the infield, as well as a strong arm that could carry him depending on if he stays at shortstop or not.

Like many prep shortstops, Merrill could possibly make a jump to another position in the coming months. He doesn’t have great speed, and as he matures into his 6-foot-3 frame, he could only slow down more. Merrill is only 18-years old, so there’s plenty of time for him to mature and pack on more raw power onto the smooth swing he already has. With that combination, it’s easy to predict that we’ll see him in the second base hole come the major leagues.