Jackson Merrill drops ‘awesome’ reaction to Padres adding 3.16 ERA arm

Mason Miller made his San Diego Padres debut on Friday after being traded before the MLB trade deadline, and Jackson Merrill couldn’t be happier to have the flamethrower as part of the team’s bullpen.

The Padres acquired Mason Miller from the Athletics on Thursday in a trade that also included left-handed starter JP Sears heading to San Diego.

In return, Oakland received 18-year-old shortstop Leodalis De Vries, the No. 3 prospect in baseball, along with right-handers Braden Nett, Henry Baez, and Eduarniel Nunez.

Miller made his Padres debut with a one-inning outing, striking out one as San Diego beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1. After the win, Jackson Merrill was asked about what it means to have the 26-year-old on the roster as the team makes a push for the postseason.

“I mean, it's pretty awesome,” Merrill told reporters (h/t The Sporting Tribune). “I wouldn't say shocked. It just, you know, anytime you can add like that, it's... it's really... it's really good. Especially how long he's here. You know, I'm really excited to work with him for the next few years.”

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Merrill has also faced Miller once during his career, noting what he’s learned about the 6-foot-5 standout since the player's arrival in San Diego.

“He's way bigger than I thought,” Merrill added. “I found it looking straight up at him when he got here. So, you know, big dude, but really nice guy. Excited that he's here. Same with JP, too.”

The new Padres reliever spent three years with the Athletics, recording a 3.16 ERA and 48 saves. Now, he will look to replicate this production and improve, considering his age, with the Padres and be part of a lockdown bullpen.