Key Highlights
- Merrill batted .292 with 24 HR and 90 RBI in 156 games. Unfortunately, the hitting phenom took a step back in 2025.
- A combination of injuries and a two-month-long hitting slump resulted in underwhelming offensive numbers last season.
- Merrill batted .264 with 16 HR and 67 RBI in 115 games. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf the Friars are going to contend in 2026, he will need to take the next step offensively.2025 was great until it was notMerrill had a strong start to last season by hitting .300 in the first two months of the campaign.
- However, the young star endured three different stints (right hamstring strain in April, a concussion in June, and a left ankle sprain in August) on the injury list last summer. View LinkClearly, the leg injuries hampered his ability to produce at the plate.
- It seemed Merrill’s swing labored through the strike zone.