Where Will the Padres Utilize the 'Versatile' Jackson Merrill in 2024?

Could Jackson Merrill make his debut this year?

The San Diego Padres plan to utilize their plethora of natural shortstops to fill holes around the field.

In addition to Jurickson Profar moving to the outfield, so is Jackson Merrill.

“He’s versatile… We do want to kind of read the tea leaves and get him in the outfield and let him see what that looks like.”

— Mike Shildt via San Diego Union-Tribune

Padres prospect Jackson Merrill getting some work in at center field this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/rjsusFSxmJ

— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) February 14, 2024

The Padres are dealing with a logjam in the middle infield with Ha-Seong Kim and Xander Bogaerts. Profar could also see some time in the dirt depending on the matchup.

However, the No. 2 prospect in the Padres' farm system is willing to play anywhere.

“I feel like I’ve been given a pretty good opportunity to come and compete for a job anywhere on the field... Last (spring) was more like a learning phase for me. I kind of knew I wasn’t gonna break with the team. I was still coming to play as myself and do the best I can. But I feel like this year is very important to me to come and show what I can do and show that I can help the team, be a part of this clubhouse and (play) a productive role in the championship we’re trying to win.”

— Jackson Merrill via the San Diego Union-Tribune

Merrill played five games in left field last year in Double-A and will need more experience out there before he gets his first major-league call-up. However, if his new locker location between Jake Cronenworth and Bogaerts is any indication, his phone might ring sooner rather than later.

“I just see it as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to help. We have great guys around the field already. So whatever position needs to be filled … that’s what I want to do. I want to be a productive person on the team. I don’t want to just kind of be the same guy every day. Do something different every day, try to help the team win one way or another.”

— Jackson Merrill via San Diego Union-Tribune

The questions surrounding Merrill's debut are not "if," but rather "when," "why," and "where."