Padres lock in Jackson Merrill with nine-year, $135MM extension

San Diego, California – The San Diego Padres have secured the future of their star outfielder, Jackson Merrill, with a nine-year contract extension worth $135 million, according to a report from Robert Murray of Fansided. The deal, which includes escalators that could push the total value to $165 million, solidifies Merrill as a cornerstone of the Padres’ roster for years to come.

The extension, set to begin in 2026 and run through 2034, features a series of incentives that could further boost Merrill’s earnings. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Merrill will receive an additional $1 million for each season in which he reaches 500 plate appearances, with those escalators applying to his 2030-2034 salaries. If fully realized, the contract could reach a maximum of $204 million, including a $30 million club option for a tenth season. That option converts into a player option if Merrill finishes in the top five of MVP voting. He also received a $10 million signing bonus as part of the deal.

Merrill’s rapid rise to stardom has been one of the most remarkable stories in recent Padres history. A first-round pick in 2021 (27th overall), Merrill was highly regarded as a top prospect but had limited experience heading into the 2024 season. Drafted out of high school, he had played only 200 minor league games, none at Triple-A, and just 46 at Double-A.

Despite his background as a shortstop, the Padres transitioned him to center field due to their infield depth with Ha-Seong Kim and Xander Bogaerts. Merrill embraced the challenge, turning in an outstanding 2024 season. He hit .292 with 24 home runs and 16 stolen bases, earning a 130 wRC+ and finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting behind Paul Skenes. Defensively, he quickly adapted to his new position, ranking among the top ten center fielders in Outs Above Average and posting a league-average Defensive Runs Saved rating.

With Kim departing in free agency, there was speculation that the Padres might move Merrill back to shortstop, but President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller shut down that idea, emphasizing the success of Merrill’s transition to center field. The decision appears to be paying off, as Merrill has started the 2025 season on fire, slashing .400/.435/.600 through six games while the Padres remain undefeated.

The extension reflects the organization’s confidence in Merrill’s long-term potential. The Padres had reportedly explored an extension before he even made his major league debut, showing their belief in his ability. Though the club has faced financial constraints in recent years, locking up Merrill now prevents his price from escalating further as he moves through arbitration and approaches free agency.

With this deal, the Padres have ensured that one of their brightest young stars remains in San Diego, setting the stage for Merrill to be a franchise cornerstone for the next decade.