While Jackson Merrill played only one full season with the San Diego Padres, the National League West franchise has seen enough to grant him a nine-year contract extension that would guarantee him $135 million.
This deal will keep him in San Diego throughout his 20s and early 30s. The contract will last until 2034 with a club option for 2035. Meanwhile, locking Merrill to this contract gives them a core of Merrill, Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr until 2033.
San Diego has been struck by Merrill Madness.
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 2, 2025
We have signed center fielder Jackson Merrill to a nine-year contract through the 2034 season with a club option for 2035. pic.twitter.com/FDw3D0aIcQ
The Padres promoted Merrill to the Major League Baseball roster in time for Opening Day 2024. Since then, he has been impressive for San Diego, slashing .292/.326/.500/.826 with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs in 156 games. Those numbers earned him a Silver Slugger Award and an All-Star appearance.
Meanwhile, Merrill is having a strong start to his second MLB season, batting .400 with a .435 on-base percentage. He has eight hits, six RBIs, and one home run in 20 at-bats.
-Lance Fernandez