Merrill, M. King, Steer, Gallen, Bauers

Merrill off to a disappointing start … Jackson Merrill (OF, SD) was hindered by three IL stints in 2025 (hamstring, concussion, ankle), so it was reasonable to expect a rebound in 2026. What’s behind his early season woes?

YearPAHR/SBBA/xBAbb%/ct%GB/LD/FBh%HH%PX/xPXHR/FSpdSBO%
202459324/16.292/.2805/8135/23/403244%119/14313%11414%
202548316/1.264/.2617/7537/22/3931 43%120/12412%130 2%
20262044/10.202/.2329/7243/20/362547%91/1148%8524%

There has been some skills slippage:

  • A sharp decline in ct% has coincided with an uptick in SwK% (from 11% in 2024 to 14% in 2025 and 2026) and downturn in Zone Ct% (86% in 2024 to 81% in 2025 and 2026; MLB average: 83%). 
  • He has also seen far fewer pitches in the zone (Zone% 2024/25/26: 49%/50%/46%; MLB...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Facts & Flukes

Bobby Witt Jr. hasn't quite had a vintage season; is he still an elite cornerstone? Plus Hunter Brown, Cedric Mullins, Zebby Matthews, and Dominic Canzone
Aug 20 2026 3:06am
Jackson Merrill has turned his season around this summer. Also: Bubba Chandler, Otto Lopez, Jacob Webb, Luis Rengifo.
Aug 18 2026 3:06am
Max Fried has looked like his usual self since returning from injury. Plus, Shane Bieber, Austin Wells, Jacob Wilson, and Isaac Collins.
Aug 17 2026 3:06am
Jacob Misiorowski has been a revelation this season—we'll take a peek at the key contributors behind his tremendous performance.
Aug 14 2026 3:06am
Drake Baldwin's follow-up to his ROY campaign has been impressive. How are the skills? Plus, Landen Roupp, Willi Castro, Tyler Mahle, and Nick Gonzales.
Aug 12 2026 3:06am

Tools