Padres' Jackson Merrill benched, seeks new Rock, Paper, Scissors competitor

The San Diego Padres’ offense needed a lift.  

In their opening five games this season, the Padres failed to produce more than three runs in a game. Center fielder Jackson Merrill provided a first-inning spark last Wednesday, scoring from first base on a grounder to third base and an error.  

The Padres rolled to a 7-1 win over the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park.  

Merrill’s highlights have been few to start this season.  

One of the highest-played players in the league, Merrill was benched against Boston Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early at Fenway Park on Saturday. Merrill opened the campaign 5-for-27 with one home run and four RBI.

With extra time, perhaps Merrill can create another fan friend playing the classic Rock, Paper, Scissors, like he did last Wednesday.  

Jackson Merrill plays hard, makes fan friends  

After signing a nine-year, $135 million contract last April, Merrill has yet to play up to his deal. During an injury-riddled 2025, Merrill hit .264 with 16 home runs and 67 RBI in 115 games.  

The 2024 NL All-Star has yet to match his rookie effort, highlighted by a Silver Slugger Award, but the 22-year-old remains a popular figure among the fans.  

Late in last Wednesday’s game, Merrill engaged in an intense game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with a youngster. The stakes were high. If the persistent fan won, he would earn Merrill’s autograph.   

"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," Merrill said, as reported by journalist Annie Heilbrunn. "Credit to myself. I never win Rock, Paper, Scissors, but I actually won.   

“So, sorry to the kid that he didn't get an autograph."