Jackson Merrill, the San Diego Padres' rising star who narrowly missed out on NL Rookie of the Year in 2024, started the 2025 MLB season strong—so strong, in fact, that it seemed he’d dodge the dreaded "sophomore slump." But lately, his performance has taken a nosedive, and he’s not sugarcoating it. In a rare moment of raw honesty, Merrill admitted he’s "playing like st," acknowledging the struggles that have followed his hot start.

Editor’s Note: Merrill’s candid self-criticism is a refreshing break from the usual athlete clichés, but it also highlights the pressure young stars face after breakout seasons. For Padres fans, his slump is concerning—if he can’t bounce back, it could hurt the team’s playoff hopes. For baseball watchers, it’s a reminder of how unpredictable player development can be, even for top talent.