Padres’ jersey rankings show Jackson Merrill taking Manny Machado’s place beside Fernando Tatis Jr.

Jersey sales are pretty much a popularity receipt, and this year tells an obvious story for the Padres. Fernando Tatis Jr. unsurprisingly remains the headliner. And Jackson Merrill has moved into the spot beside him. Manny Machado has fallen out of MLB’s top 20.

The 2026 jersey rankings, based on Nike jersey sales through the Fanatics network since Opening Day, placed Tatis fifth and Merrill 18th. Only the Dodgers had more players represented, while the Phillies also placed two.

One year ago, that second Padres name belonged to Machado. Tatis ranked 10th and Machado finished 19th on MLB’s 2025 list. Merrill was not there yet.

Machado still remains the unofficial captain to some. His importance inside the clubhouse is secure, and plenty of fans already have his No. 13 hanging in their closets. A sales chart measures who people are choosing right now, though, and the choice beside Tatis has changed.

Jackson Merrill has become the Padres’ other national face

Merrill’s rise has moved quickly because he gave us little reason to wait. He reached the majors in 2024, made the All-Star team, won a Silver Slugger and finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. The Padres then handed him a nine-year extension. Now his jersey ranks among the 20 most popular in baseball.

He makes a different case too. The Padres recently have been known for purchasing celebrity. Machado’s arrival proved San Diego could attract and pay an established superstar. Tatis changed the game after the Padres acquired him when he was a prospect for the White Sox. Merrill is the homegrown version, a player this organization found, developed and turned into one of its defining names.

Tatis remains in his own category. Moving from 10th to fifth put him ahead of Freddie Freeman, Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Juan Soto. His national appeal remains enormous.

Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill give the Padres their 2034 blueprint

The contract situation makes the jersey rankings more than a fun popularity contest.

Tatis is signed through 2034. Merrill is also under contract through 2034, with a club option for 2035. The two Padres whose jerseys are currently selling across baseball are also positioned to define nearly the next decade in San Diego. That gives A.J. Preller clarity, as the Padres already have their marquee. They still need to ensure this roster contains reliable depth, a lineup that doesn’t collapse when their stars cool off, and enough pitching to survive a full 162 game season. Tatis and Merrill are the clear attraction. Every major decision should help turn their shared window into something larger than individual recognition.

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