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Joe Musgrove missed the entire 2025 season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, but the homegrown right-hander remained with and around the San Diego Padres throughout the rehab process and the season. Musgrove was working hard enough and was having enough success throughout his progression that his goal was to pitch in the postseason if San Diego made a deep run. He never got the opportunity due to the Padres losing the National League Wild Card Series to the Chicago Cubs. The fact that Musgrove did not get an opportunity to pitch in the postseason means he has had more time to build up his strength and stamina, which should put him in position to have a successful 2026.
The current pitching rotation for the Padres consists of Musgrove, Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Randy Vasquez and JP Sears. The top three pitchers could be arranged in any number of ways and when they are all healthy, each could be considered the ace of the staff. The Friar Faithful would like nothing more than to see Musgrove return and have that level of success. Whether he will or will not has to be decided on the mound.
Jackson Merrill took over the center field position to start the 2024 season, his rookie season, and finished as the runner up for National League Rookie of the Year. Merrill delivered an inaugural season that garnered him a nine-year, $135 million contract extension early in the 2025 season. Merrill started the year where he left off after his rookie season, but eventually he was slowed by injuries that limited him to 115 games. The lower number of games significantly impacted his offensive numbers and in some cases such as hits, runs, RBI and stolen bases, the numbers were significantly lower from year to year.
Merrill hit seven of his 16 home runs in 2025 during the month of September. He also added 25 hits, seven doubles and two triples in the month and the Friar Faithful saw the return of the player who has quickly become a fan favorite in San Diego. It is easy to see that if Merrill can remain healthy and play 150-plus games like he did in his first MLB season, he could provide some of the slug the Padres were missing last year.
It is important to San Diego that Musgrove and Merrill both have impactful seasons in 2026. Musgrove will provide length and stability in the rotation. His performance on the mound could have a significant impact on whether San Diego will contend. The same can be said for Merrill. His talent and ability will allow him to impact the game on defense and more importantly at the plate. The hope is that both players return to their performance levels prior to their respective injuries, but Gaslamp Ball would like to know if you think Musgrove or Merrill needs to have the better season for the Padres to be successful?
