Padres, Merrill Reach $135M Extension Agreement
San Diego, CA – The San Diego Padres and young star outfielder Jackson Merrill have agreed to a massive nine-year, $135 million contract extension, multiple sources have confirmed. The deal, which begins in 2026, secures Merrill’s services through the 2034 season, covering one pre-arbitration year, three arbitration seasons, and five years of free agency.
The extension cements Merrill’s place as a cornerstone of the Padres’ future, reflecting the team’s commitment to retaining young talent and building a long-term contender. Merrill, who had an outstanding rookie campaign in 2024, has quickly emerged as one of Major League Baseball’s brightest young stars, and this deal ensures he remains a fixture in San Diego for the foreseeable future.
Merrill’s Breakout 2024 Season
Merrill burst onto the scene in 2024 with an impressive slash line of .292/.326/.500, accumulating 4.4 bWAR in his first full season. His all-around performance at the plate and in the field earned him several accolades, including the National League Silver Slugger Award for center field. Additionally, he finished as the runner-up in National League Rookie of the Year voting, placed ninth in MVP voting, and was named to his first NL All-Star team.
The 21-year-old’s quick adaptation to big-league pitching, combined with his defensive versatility and power-speed combination, made him an attractive candidate for a long-term deal. The Padres wasted no time in locking him up, avoiding the uncertainty of arbitration and free agency while securing a potential franchise player.
Contract Breakdown and Implications
While exact salary details have yet to be disclosed, the structure of the deal suggests that the Padres are buying out one year of pre-arbitration, three years of arbitration, and five years of free agency at an average annual value of $15 million.
A rough estimate places his pre-arb salary in 2026 at around $1 million, followed by projected arbitration salaries of $6 million, $12 million, and $18 million. That would mean his free-agent years are being valued at approximately $19.4 million annually—a reasonable number but one that suggests possible contract incentives, opt-outs, or salary escalators.
Given Merrill’s rapid rise and potential upside, the deal appears to be a win for both sides. The Padres secure a key player at a cost that could be well below market value if Merrill continues to improve, while Merrill gains long-term financial security early in his career.
A Major Move for the Padres
For San Diego, this extension is part of a broader strategy to develop and retain homegrown talent. The Padres have been aggressive in their spending in recent years, and after losing key players to free agency, this deal signals their intent to keep a strong core intact.
Padres general manager A.J. Preller has long been known for making bold moves, and securing Merrill aligns with his vision of building around young, dynamic players.
“Jackson has been everything we hoped for and more since joining our organization,” Preller said in a statement. “He’s a competitor, a leader, and a player who makes a difference on and off the field. We are thrilled to have him as a part of our future.”
Potential Impact on Future Contracts
Merrill’s extension could set a precedent for future deals involving young stars looking to secure long-term financial stability early in their careers. Similar to contracts signed by other young MLB standouts, Merrill’s deal provides cost certainty for the Padres while giving him the chance to reach free agency again before his mid-30s if no additional years are tacked on.
Additionally, this move may signal that the Padres are still willing to invest in keeping their core players together. With a mix of veteran talent and young rising stars, San Diego appears poised to remain a competitive force in the National League for years to come.
What’s Next?
With Merrill locked up, the Padres can now shift their focus to other roster needs and potential extensions for other young contributors. The team’s front office will likely continue exploring moves to complement their core group as they aim to return to postseason contention.
As for Merrill, he now enters the 2025 season knowing his future is secured, allowing him to focus solely on performance. If his rookie season was any indication, Padres fans have a lot to look forward to as he continues to develop into one of baseball’s premier outfielders.
Leave a Reply