SAN DIEGO — Jackson Merrill, the San Diego Padres’ standout center fielder, has signed a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, establishing his place with the team through the 2034 season. The deal, which includes a $30 million club option for 2035 that can convert to a player option if Merrill finishes in the top five in MVP voting during the contract, was first reported by FanSided’s Robert Murray on Wednesday.
San Diego has been struck by Merrill Madness.
We have signed center fielder Jackson Merrill to a nine-year contract through the 2034 season with a club option for 2035. pic.twitter.com/FDw3D0aIcQ
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 2, 2025
Contract Details Lock in Padres’ Star
Effective starting in 2026, the extension secures Merrill, 21, as a key piece for the Padres after an astounding rookie campaign. The agreement could max out at $204 million with incentives, exemplifying the team’s confidence in the former first-round pick’s potential. “The deal includes a total of $30 million in potential escalators with 500 plate appearances in each season throughout the contract” (per Robert Murray). Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller had explored extension talks with Merrill even before his 2024 debut, but waiting until now extended the young star’s earning power.
On Jackson Merrill’s nine-year, $135 million extension with the Padres: the deal includes a total of $30 million in potential escalators with 500 plate appearances in each season throughout the contract, sources say.
2026: $5 million ($1 million salary increase from 2030-2034).…
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) April 2, 2025
Rookie Season Showcases Elite Talent
Merrill’s 2024 season was a breakout performance that turned heads across Major League Baseball. In 156 games, he batted .292 with a .326 on-base percentage and a .500 slugging percentage. He smashed 24 home runs and driving in 90 runs. His 61 extra-base hits and 16 stolen bases emphasize his blend of power and speed. That earned him a National League All-Star nod, Silver Slugger, and a second-place finish in NL Rookie of the Year. Defensively, he excelled in center field, posting a plus-11 outs above average.
Through the first week of the 2025 season, Merrill has picked up where he left off. In the Padres’ 6-0 start, he is hitting .400 (8-for-20) with a home run and a team-leading six RBIs. The extension locks in a player who’s already a fan favorite and a key piece of San Diego’s postseason aspirations. For Merrill, it’s an opportunity to cement a legacy with the Friars.
Main Photo Credits: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
