Jackson Merrill shakes off the sophomore slump as the San Diego Padres eye a breakout 2026 season. Can Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. form MLB’s most electrifying outfield duo? Javier Reyes highlights Merrill’s resilience, powerful late-season surge, and defensive prowess, making the case for why the young center fielder remains a cornerstone for the Padres’ future.

Other topics in this player preview include Merrill’s improved walk rate, struggles against left-handed pitching, and ongoing lineup questions as rookie manager Craig Stammen weighs his options. With questions swirling around lineup construction and Merrill’s long-term ceiling, Padres fans won’t want to miss this essential look at one of baseball’s brightest wonderkids. Go Padres.

00:00 — Intro

1:08 — Jackson Merrill 2026 Preview

08:41 — Analyzing the Sophomore Slump

19:47 — 2026 Questions & Expectations

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San Diego Padres fans wonder: can Fernando Tatis Jr. reclaim his MVP-caliber form in 2026, or has his offensive peak passed? Javier Reyes previews Tatis’ upcoming season, tackling PED suspension narratives, lineup placement rumors, and the impact of injuries on his power numbers. Is the new hitting coach’s aggressive philosophy enough to spark a resurgence—and will improved lineup depth finally fuel more RBI opportunities for Tatis?

Other key topics for the first player preview include Tatis’ elite defense and speed, improved plate discipline, the reality of what his ceiling may be as a player, and more! With Gold Glove accolades, top-10 WAR status, and a history of carrying the offense, Tatis remains the face of the franchise, so should Padres fans just get better at ignoring trade rumors and public slander? All of that and more! Go Padres.

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San Diego Padres fans face a pressing question: should Fernando Tatis Jr. move down in the batting order? Javier Reyes examines the bold possibility of shifting Tatis from his usual leadoff spot, digging into advanced stats, his explosive skill set, and how new manager Craig Stammen might shake things up. With Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado also in the mix, can a fresh approach to the lineup unlock more run production?

Javi also responds to more questions and comments in the mailbag section, covering the Padres’ low-key offseason moves, the health and potential of pitchers like Joe Musgrove, Michael King, and Nick Pivetta, whether Walker Buehler is truly cooked, Manny Machado's "attitude" problems, the team's inconsistency with driving in runs, and more! Go Padres.

00:00 — Intro

1:15 — Tatis Jr. Batting Order

11:23 — Mailbag: Pitching & Roster Moves

22:23 — Bullpen Depth & Padres Consistency

Join Everydayer Club: https://lockedonpadres.supercast.com/

Follow on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Javiipeno

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Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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