“Padres star Jackson Merrill agrees to nine-year, $135 million extension”
The San Diego Padres are securing their latest famous person for the long run. Outfielder Jackson Merrill agreed to a nine-year, $135 million extension with the group, Yahoo Sports activities’ Russell Dorsey confirmed Wednesday.
The group confirmed the length of the contract on X on Wednesday. The Padres stated the deal will take Merrill by the 2034 season, and it comprises an possibility for 2035.
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The extension reportedly won’t kick in till the 2026 MLB season.
The deal contains no opt outs, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. It additionally comprises a group possibility for the 2035 MLB season for $21 million. That possibility can change into a participant possibility if Merrill finishes top-five within the MVP voting in any season over the course of the extension.
Beginning in 2030, Merrill will obtain incentive-based bonuses primarily based on what number of plate appearances he makes every season. If he hits each incentive and his possibility, Merrill might make a complete of $204 million with this deal.
[Read more: Padres star Jackson Merrill reflects on his rapid rise in MLB and what’s ahead in 2025]
Merrill, 21, has carried out like a future star for the reason that prompt he made his major-league debut in 2024. He entered final spring as an extended shot to make the Padres’ roster however earned his spot within the majors after hitting .333 throughout spring coaching and transferring to middle area for the primary time in his profession.
Regardless of being 20, Merrill did not look overmatched within the majors, hitting .280 within the first month of the season. He completed the 12 months with a .292/.326/.500 slash line and 24 house runs over 593 plate appearances. That efficiency earned him an All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger award. Merrill completed second in Nationwide League Rookie of the 12 months voting, behind Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes.
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As a rookie, Merrill additionally had a knack for coming by in the clutch. In high-leverage situations, he hit .279/.321/.606 with 9 house runs, per Baseball-Reference.
Following a wonderful rookie season, expectations are excessive for Merrill in 2025. He opened the season as a middle-of-the-order bat for the Padres and is hitting .400 by the primary six video games. His hitting prowess and wonderful protection in middle are a giant a part of why the Padres are 6-0 to start out the season.
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