The San Diego Padres are securing their newest superstar for the future. Outfielder Jackson Merrill agreed to a nine-year, $135 million extension with the team, Yahoo Sports' Russell Dorsey confirmed Wednesday.
The team confirmed the length of the contract on X on Wednesday. The Padres said the deal will take Merrill through the 2034 season, and it contains an option for 2035.
The extension reportedly won't kick in until the 2026 MLB season.
Jackson Merrill and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, source confirms to @YahooSports. The Padres lock in their young star CF, who became one of the best players in baseball in 2024. 1st: @ByRobertMurray
— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) April 2, 2025
The deal contains no opt outs, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. It also contains a team option for the 2035 MLB season for $21 million. That option can become a player option if Merrill finishes top-five in the MVP voting in any season over the course of the extension.
Starting in 2030, Merrill will receive incentive-based bonuses based on how many plate appearances he makes each season. If he hits every incentive and his option, Merrill could make a total of $204 million with this deal.
Sources to @YahooSports: Merrill’s extension includes a $10 million signing bonus. He’ll receive $1 million for every 500 plate appearances from 2030-2035. The final year becomes a $30 million player option if he finishes Top 5 in MVP voting. Also escalator for Top 10, all of… https://t.co/2WJPdVDSRb
— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) April 2, 2025
[Read more: Padres star Jackson Merrill reflects on his rapid rise in MLB and what's ahead in 2025]
Merrill, 21, has performed like a future star since the instant he made his major-league debut in 2024. He entered last spring as a long shot to make the Padres' roster but earned his spot in the majors after hitting .333 during spring training and moving to center field for the first time in his career.
Despite being 20, Merrill didn't look overmatched in the majors, hitting .280 in the first month of the season. He finished the year with a .292/.326/.500 slash line and 24 home runs over 593 plate appearances. That performance earned him an All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger award. Merrill finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting, behind Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes.
As a rookie, Merrill also had a knack for coming through in the clutch. In high-leverage situations, he hit .279/.321/.606 with nine home runs, per Baseball-Reference.
Following an excellent rookie season, expectations are high for Merrill in 2025. He opened the season as a middle-of-the-order bat for the Padres and is hitting .400 through the first six games. His hitting prowess and excellent defense in center are a big part of why the Padres are 6-0 to start the season.
