The San Diego Padres have made a significant move by agreeing to a nine-year contract extension with star outfielder Jackson Merrill worth $135 million, as reported by Robert Murray of Fansided. This lucrative deal has the potential to escalate to a staggering $204 million and includes a $30 million club option for a tenth season, which can be converted into a player option. The contract is set to commence in 2026, ensuring that the guaranteed portion runs through 2034, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
As part of this groundbreaking agreement, Merrill will receive a $10 million signing bonus along with a $1 million bonus for every 500 plate appearances during the 2030 to 2035 seasons, as outlined by Russell Dorsey of Yahoo. Notably, the club option converts to a player option if Merrill finishes in the top five of MVP voting, while a top ten finish also serves as an escalator for his contract.
Merrill's representation comes from KHG Sports Management, which has played a crucial role in securing this remarkable contract for the young outfielder.
Merrill's 2024 season has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing his potential as one of the top prospects in baseball. Drafted as a first-round pick, 27th overall in 2021, Merrill's rise through the ranks has been noteworthy, despite his limited experience at the professional level. By the end of the 2023 season, he had only played 200 minor league games, with no experience at the Triple-A level and just 46 games at Double-A. Additionally, he celebrated his 21st birthday on April 19, 2024, just as the season was getting underway.
Compounding his youth and inexperience, the Padres tasked Merrill with a significant defensive transition. Primarily a shortstop in the minors, he faced competition from established players like Ha-Seong Kim and Xander Bogaerts in the infield. Following the trade of Trent Grisham to the Yankees as part of the Juan Soto deal, the Padres decided to try Merrill in center field. His performance during spring training impressed the coaching staff, leading to him being awarded the starting position.
Despite the challenges associated with learning a premium defensive position on the fly, Merrill exceeded expectations. In his breakout season, he hit 24 home runs and maintained a low 4% walk rate while keeping his strikeouts down to just 17%. His impressive batting line of .292/.326/.500 translated into a 130 wRC+, marking him as 30% better than the league average. Additionally, he showcased his speed on the bases, stealing 16 bases in 19 attempts.
Defensively, Merrill proved to be more than competent, earning a league-average rating in center field according to Defensive Runs Saved. He also achieved 11 Outs Above Average, placing him among the top ten center fielders in the league last year. His overall contributions were highly regarded, with FanGraphs crediting him with 5.3 wins above replacement and Baseball Reference giving him a 4.4 WAR. Although he faced tough competition from Paul Skenes for the Rookie of the Year honors, Merrill still managed to secure seven out of 30 first-place votes, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting and also placing ninth in the MVP race.
With Kim's departure via free agency, discussions arose regarding a potential return to shortstop for Merrill. However, Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller quickly dismissed these notions in October, opting to maintain Merrill's successful transition to center field. As the 2025 season kicks off, Merrill has started strong, boasting a remarkable .400/.435/.600 batting line through the first six games while helping the Padres maintain an undefeated record. The excitement surrounding Jackson Merrill and his future with the Padres continues to grow.
