Padres take shot at Paul Skenes, Pirates with Jackson Merrill Rookie of the Year sign

The first week of the 2025 season has been as exciting as possible for the San Diego Padres. Off to a franchise-best 6-0 start, the Friars are clicking on all cylinders, whether that be on or off the field.

On Wednesday, San Diego offered Jackson Merrill a nine-year contract extension that will keep him with the organization into his 30s. Merrill, a 21-year-old phenom, is undoubtedly a fan favorite in Southern California, and they will take all the measures necessary to show their appreciation for him.

Upon entry at Petco Park, there is a road sign letting drivers know how to get into the ballpark. Below that green sign, there is another that claims Merrill to be the true 2024 National League Rookie of the Year., not Pirates flamethrower Paul Skenes.

Padres take shot at Paul Skenes, Pirates with Jackson Merrill Rookie of the Year sign

It's difficult to argue that Jackson Merrill did not deserve the prestigious award. He played a full season, unlike Skenes, and produced 31 doubles, 24 home runs, 90 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, a 128 OPS+, and had a league-high eight assists in the outfield.

Those are pretty impressive numbers. That's not to take anything away from Paul Skenes, who took the baseball community by storm. He is going to be a star in his own right in Major League Baseball, but he cannot blame the Padres and their fans for showing their loyalty towards Merrill.

Maybe if Merrill registers an MVP-worthy season in 2025, it will be then when the Friar Faithful puts the Rookie of the Year snub to rest. Until that happens, the fans are going to showcase their disappoint towards the results, which ended up giving Skenes 136 points to Merrill's 104 in a two-man race.

Merrill is off to a blistering start at the plate in 2025. In six games, he has a home run, six RBIs, and eight hits. He's going to be one of the biggest can't-miss attractions in San Diego for a while, so Pirates fans might have to get used to hearing his name every time Skenes is brought up.