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

SEVERNA PARK, MD — The San Diego Padres on Sunday selected Severna Park High School graduate Jackson Merrill with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft.

The shortstop shot up draft boards in recent weeks. Merrill was previously ranked the 123rd-best prospect in the draft. He climbed to No. 79 by June 30 and eventually snuck into the first round.

"Insanely blessed," Merrill posted on Instagram alongside a video of the announcement.

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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 hits as a lefty but throws as a righty. Scouts praised his bat and his arm, but they question his speed.

"He has a good feel to hit with decent bat speed, showing the ability to use the whole field with some solid raw power he could grow into," Merrill's scouting report said. "Scouts like the way Merrill moves as a shortstop, with good actions and hands, with enough arm to give him the chance to at least start out at the premium position. The only question is his run tool, which could mean an eventual move to third or second."

Merrill is currently committed to playing baseball for the University of Kentucky Wildcats. If he signs with the Padres instead, he will be eligible for a signing bonus of up to $2,570,100.

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