Jersey Number Retired For Anne Arundel County Baseball Player Drafted To MLB

SEVERNA PARK, MD — Severna Park High School recently retired the jersey number of a high-profile baseball alumnus.

The player, Jackson Merrill, was a 2021 graduate and a first-round pick in that year's MLB Draft. The San Diego Padres selected Merrill with the 27th overall pick.

The Falcons retired Merrill's No. 1 during halftime of the boy's varsity basketball game on Jan. 13.

"Honored to have my jersey retired by the athletic program at Severna Park High School," Merrill said on Instagram. "Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way, best is yet to come…"

At 18 years old, Merrill batted .500 during his senior season with Severna Park. His 13 home runs tied a school record.

The 6-foot-3-inch infielder also knocked in 39 runs while scoring 34 himself. The 195-pound prospect also swiped 10 bags while leading the Falcons to a 17-1 record and a runner-up finish in Maryland's 4A tournament.

Merrill previously committed to play for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, but he passed and signed with the Padres instead. His signing bonus of $1.8 million was below the maximum $2.6 million slot value.

The shortstop most recently played for the Lake Elsinore Storm, the Padres' single-A minor league affiliate in Southern California.

In 86 minor league games, Merrill has a .320 batting average with 50 RBI. He has swatted 20 doubles, 6 triples and 6 home runs. The 19-year-old has also stolen 16 bases. Merrill hits as a lefty but throws as a righty.

"Merrill has a good feel for hitting and some power that he'll grow into as he continues to develop," MLB's scouting report said. "He improved his timing at the plate last summer and utilizes the whole field when he's in the box. He can have more of an inside-out swing at times and will have to learn how to turn on pitches to get to his power more consistently."

MLB currently has Merrill ranked as the No. 83 prospect overall and the top prospect in the Padres organization. Merrill's scouting report projects him to make his major league debut in 2025.

"With an above-average arm and soft hands, Merrill has the tools needed to stick at shortstop," the report continued. "The organization has also been impressed with his maturity and mental makeup as he's drawn strong reviews for his work ethic."

Related: Severna Park Grad Selected In 1st Round Of 2021 MLB Draft