Padres, CF Jackson Merrill Agree to Lengthy Contract Extension

San Diego appears set to keep its young phenom around for the foreseeable future.

Jackson Merrill runs the bases after a home run. / Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres have found a gem in center fielder Jackson Merrill—and they appear ready to keep him around for the long haul.

Merrill is in agreement with the Padres on a nine-year contract extension worth $135 million, according to a Wednesday morning report from Robert Murray of FanSided. The 21-year-old is slashing .400/.435/.600 with a home run and six RBIs in six games this season.

The reported extension comes on the heels of a magnificent rookie season for the Baltimore native. Merrill slashed .292/.326/.500 for San Diego last year, clubbing 24 home runs and driving in 90 runs.

BREAKING: Jackson Merrill and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, sources say. The deal, which can max out at $204 million and includes a $30 million club option for a tenth season that can convert to a player option, was…

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) April 2, 2025

For his efforts, Merrill made the National League All-Star team, was the runner-up for NL Rookie of the Year, garnered down-ballot league MVP votes, and won a Silver Slugger.

At 6-0, the Padres are a half-game behind the equally red-hot Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the NL West.

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