Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Jackson Merrill Extension: Padres Lock 21-Year-Old All-Star to Nine-Year, $135 Million Deal

Padres make a big move!

Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres have made a long-term commitment to one of their brightest young stars, agreeing to a nine-year, $135 million contract extension with Jackson Merrill. The deal, which includes a $30 million club option for a 10th season that could be converted into a player option, has the potential to reach $204 million in total value.

Merrill, just 21 years old, has already established himself as a cornerstone of the Padres’ future. His breakout rookie campaign in 2024 saw him blast 24 home runs, drive in 90 RBIs, steal 16 bases, and post an .826 OPS. That performance earned him a second-place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting and a ninth-place finish in the NL MVP race. He also made history by becoming the first Padres rookie to earn an All-Star selection.

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

His stellar play has carried into the 2025 season, where he has been instrumental in the Padres’ red-hot 6-0 start. Through those six games, Merrill is slashing .400/.435/.600 with a home run and a team-leading six RBIs, further solidifying his place as a rising star in Major League Baseball.

Originally drafted as a shortstop with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Merrill transitioned to center field during spring training last year, a move that has paid immediate dividends for San Diego. Despite never having played the position before, he seamlessly took over as the team’s Opening Day center fielder and has since flourished in his new role.

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Merrill’s ascent has been rapid but well-earned. He was named to the 2023 Futures Game and twice recognized as a Padres organizational All-Star. In his rookie season, he began as the No. 9 hitter in manager Mike Shildt’s lineup but climbed his way up to the No. 5 spot by season’s end, helping lead the Padres to a strong 93-69 record.

By locking up Merrill for the long haul, the Padres have not only secured one of their most promising young talents but have also sent a strong message about their commitment to sustained success.

Jackson Merrill

Padres

Mohsin Baldiwala

mlb

Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.