Padres star Jackson Merrill agrees to nine-year, $135 million extension

[Read more: Padres star Jackson Merrill reflects on his rapid rise in MLB and what’s ahead in 2025]

Merrill, 21, has performed like a future star since the instant he made his major-league debut in 2024. He entered last spring as a long shot to make the Padres’ roster but earned his spot in the majors after hitting .333 during spring training and moving to center field for the first time in his career.

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Despite being 20, Merrill didn’t look overmatched in the majors, hitting .280 in the first month of the season. He finished the year with a .292/.326/.500 slash line and 24 home runs over 593 plate appearances. That performance earned him an All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger award. Merrill finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting, behind Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes.

As a rookie, Merrill also had a knack for coming through in the clutch. In high-leverage situations, he hit .279/.321/.606 with nine home runs, per Baseball-Reference.

Following an excellent rookie season, expectations are high for Merrill in 2025. He opened the season as a middle-of-the-order bat for the Padres and is hitting .400 through the first six games. His hitting prowess and excellent defense in center are a big part of why the Padres are 6-0 to start the season.