By ESPN | Created at 2025-04-02 13:50:54 | Updated at 2025-04-03 12:48:00
22 hours ago
ESPN
Apr 2, 2025, 09:37 AM ET
The San Diego Padres and star outfielder Jackson Merrill have agreed to a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, according to multiple reports.
The deal, first reported Wednesday by FanSided, includes a $30 million club option for a 10th season and has a maximum value of $204 million, according to reports.
Merrill, who turns 22 later this month, would not have been eligible for salary arbitration until 2027. The former first-round draft pick becomes the latest Padre to sign a nine-figure contract, joining Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts and Yu Darvish.
Merrill was the runner-up for the National League Rookie of the Year in 2024 after batting .292 with 25 home runs, 90 RBI and 16 stolen bases. He is off to a strong start this season as well, going 8-for-20 with a homer in San Diego's first six games.
