3 Padres spring training overreactions after first week of action

The Padres don't need another outfielder with Jackson Merrill on the roster

Throughout the entire offseason, the overarching narrative has centered around the Padres' lack of outfielders. Until the club signed Jurickson Profar, the only outfielders on the 40-man roster were Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jose Azocar.

But, after barely a week of games, it would appear as though San Diego may have solved the outfield issue with an in-house candidate. Jackson Merrill, who is a non-roster invitee and one of the top prospects in all of baseball, has played very well thus far.

Merrill, who's an infielder by trade, has made a rather seamless transition to playing left field. The 20-year-old has caught the eye of Pads fans, and many are ready to crown Merrill the Opening Day left fielder. However, it's a bit too early to make such a wild proclamation.

Remember, Merrill hasn't even set foot on a Triple-A field. While Merrill got in a lot of work this offseason at other positions besides shortstop, making the switch to the outfield isn't as easy as it sounds.

While the San Diego Padres shouldn't abandon the idea of allowing Jackson Merrill to win a spot on the Opening Day roster, it shouldn't preclude the Friars from adding a veteran outfielder either. Non-roster invitee Oscar Mercado has shown off some power this spring, but there are plenty of upgrades still available on the open market. A.J. Preller shouldn't close the door to a free agent signing or a trade just because of the hype surrounding one the Padres' top prospects.