Padres’ $135M Phenom Snubs Denzel Clarke for Mariners Star Despite Endorsement Torii Hunter’s Strong Backing

Greatness is often debated. What makes a play truly legendary? Is it the raw, jaw-dropping athleticism of a perfectly executed catch? Or is it the gritty, selfless sacrifice of a player who puts their body on the line? A “catch of the year” debate is raging, and a rising star’s surprising perspective has given the debate an interesting curve. San Diego Padres prospect Jackson Merrill has spoken, and the pick might not be who you think, despite a legend’s endorsement.

The play that set the internet aflame occurred on June 9. Oakland Athletics rookie Denzel Clarke became a human highlight reel at Angel Stadium. Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel drilled a pitch from Grant Holman in the first inning. The ball rocketed toward the left-center wall, a home run for sure. But Clarke had other plans. The 25-year-old outfielder scaled the wall, stretched his body over the fence, and snagged the ball out of the air. It was a moment of pure athletic poetry.

Despite the universal awe, Padres star Merrill offered a different perspective. On the “OnBase Live” podcast, Merrill initially praised Clarke’s play. “Denzel Clark’s catch last night is the catch of the year. I think it was nasty,” he began. But then came the stunning pivot. “But I’m out because Victor Robles sacrificed his whole life for that catch.” Merrill acknowledged Clarke’s incredible talent but ultimately valued the sheer sacrifice of another player’s effort more, a truly revealing take from a fellow professional.

Merrill’s preference was for a catch that came with a heavy price. On April 6, Mariners outfielder Victor Robles made a spectacular diving catch in a tied game against the Giants. He sprinted 113 feet, leaped into the netting in foul territory, and secured the out. However, he suffered a fractured shoulder on the play, sidelining him for months. Despite the injury, Robles said he had “no regrets.” Giants slugger Mike Yastrzemski called it “one of the best outfield plays I’ve ever seen.”

This makes Merrill’s snub even more intriguing, especially with a legend’s endorsement. Nine-time Gold Glove winner Torii Hunter was blown away by Clarke’s robbery. “This has to be one of the best catches I’ve ever seen,” Hunter posted on X. Coming from one of the greatest defensive outfielders in history, that praise carries immense weight. Hunter knows exactly what it takes to make those plays, making his strong backing a powerful counterpoint to Merrill’s opinion.

Denzel Clarke’s heroics raise value debate for struggling A’s

This wasn’t Clarke’s first “Are you serious?” moment this season. Before his catch went viral, he’d also earned “Electric Play of the Week” honors from MLB in back-to-back weeks. One of those came in his hometown of Toronto. He climbed the center-field wall at Rogers Centre, robbing Alejandro Kirk of the Blue Jays of a home run. The play was just another “Spider-Man-like” play, showing off his elite leaping ability and timing, proving his heroics are a consistent part of his game.

Another of his prize-winning plays evidenced his fearless grit. In a game against the Baltimore Orioles, Clarke sprinted at full speed into the left-center field fence. He also made a diving backhand catch just before his collision with the wall to rob Jorge Mateo. This willingness to sacrifice his body, combined with his acrobatic skill, shows a complete defensive package. He isn’t just a high-flyer; he’s a guy who will do whatever it takes to make an out.

The 2025 season has seen its share of brilliant defensive plays. On April 9, Miami’s Dane Myers earned a win with a game-ending catch when he crashed into the wall on a 109 mph liner. Toronto’s Daulton Varsho made a “ridiculous behind-the-back catch” despite stumbling in the outfield. These plays illustrate the fact that defensive excellence is indeed a leaguewide trend, with players constantly pushing the limits of what seems possible.

Even established stars have been getting in on the action. Mariners phenom Julio Rodríguez added another home run robbery to his resume against the Yankees. Detroit’s Riley Greene executed a full-extension “poster” dive to rob in a hit. These moments aren’t just for emerging rookies. Game’s best continue to show great glove is as important as a big bat, making for thrilling baseball every night.

Despite his defensive heroics, Clarke is still developing at the plate, hitting just .216. He provides immense value with his glove, ranking in the 97th percentile for both outs above average and sprint speed. His Oakland A’s are struggling, sitting in last place in the AL West with a 26-43 record. This raises a fascinating question for fans: How much is an elite, game-changing defender worth on a team that isn’t winning?

The post Padres’ $135M Phenom Snubs Denzel Clarke for Mariners Star Despite Endorsement Torii Hunter’s Strong Backing appeared first on EssentiallySports.