Jackson Merrill Was All Smiles After Hitting HR Same Day He Signed Huge New Deal

The second-year player had a huge Wednesday, to say the least.

San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill celebrates hitting a home run. | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Jackson Merrill had a big day on Wednesday. It started with him signing a massive nine-year, $135 million contract extension with the San Diego Padres, then he helped lead the team to a 4-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians by hitting a 388-foot home run in the contest.

After the game, MLB Network spoke to the 21-year-old center fielder and he couldn't stop smiling about the great day he had. He joked about striking out at his first at-bat, too.

"I mean, first AB strikeout, I was like 'Damn, this is how we started,'" Merrill said. He was then asked about how much this new extension means to him: "I think it more means a lot to us. I'm here for everybody that's in this clubhouse, that's why I took this deal with the team. I want to be here forever."

"I'm here for everybody that's in this clubhouse... I want to be here forever."

Jackson Merrill discusses hitting a HR hours after signing a contract extension with the @Padres!#MLBTonight | #ForTheFaithful pic.twitter.com/vx9izrkRIx

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 2, 2025

From his four at-bats on Wednesday, Merrill completed two hits, two RBI, one run and one strikeout. So far this season, Merrill is averaging .417/.444/.708.

The Padres are 7–0 to start out the 2025 MLB season. Having a player like Merrill on the team, now and for a long time, definitely helps them continue to succeed.

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