Padres’ AJ Preller Discusses Jackson Merrill Contract Extension Conversations

The San Diego Padres knew that they had a star on their fingers after they drafted 18-year-old Jackson Merrill within the first spherical of the 2021 MLB Draft.

Merrill spent simply three seasons within the minor leagues earlier than making his MLB debut on Opening Day final season. However even earlier than his debut in Excessive-A in 2022, the Padres have been contemplating a possible contract extension for Merrill.

“We’ve had (conversations) at different moments over the last few years, even dating back to when he was in the minor leagues,” Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller advised The Athletic’s Dennis Lin. “He understands that we value him a lot and want him here for a long time.”

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The Padres by no means settled on a take care of Merrill. Nonetheless, it’s clear that the 2024 Nationwide League All-Star has a future as an integral piece of the San Diego franchise.

“Those were some of the concepts from the past. We were just like, ‘Was there a creative way to do something before he broke into the big leagues? And even last year, when he was breaking into the big leagues?’” Preller mentioned to Lin. “Ultimately, we never got to anything concrete.”

Though the Padres by no means finalized a contract extension with Merrill, it might not be shocking for the 2 events to land on an settlement within the close to future. Merrill won’t be arbitration eligible till the top of the 2026 season, however his manufacturing in his rookie season suggests he’ll solely change into dearer as he positive aspects extra MLB expertise.

Contemplating San Diego’s problem managing a decent price range this offseason, it might be good for the Padres to safe Merrill for the long-term future whereas he’s nonetheless a considerably inexpensive asset. Nonetheless, that ship could have already sailed.

Merrill grew to become the Padres’ on a regular basis middle fielder final season, working alongside outfielders Jurickson Profar and Fernando Tatis Jr. Profar left the Padres in free company this offseason, however Merrill and Tatis Jr. will return as two-thirds of San Diego’s outfield in 2025.

Along with the then-rookie’s defensive contributions, Merrill was one in all San Diego’s high hitters in 2024, main the crew in slugging proportion (.500), doubles (31), and triples (six) whereas rating second in hits (162), runs (62), dwelling runs (24), RBIs (90), batting common (.292), and OPS (.826).

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Merrill additionally completed second behind Pittsburgh Pirates beginning pitcher Paul Skenes in NL Rookie of the Yr voting. Regardless of falling wanting the award, the 2024 NL Silver Slugger was chosen because the MLB Gamers Alternative NL Excellent Rookie of the Yr.

With a full season of MLB expertise below his belt, Merrill will look to achieve a brand new degree of success in 2025.

For extra Padres information, head over to Padres on SI.