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

Merrill, 21, has performed like a future star since the instant he made his major-league debut in 2024. Merrill entered that spring as a long shot to make the Padres roster, but earned his spot in the majors after hitting .333 during spring training. Despite being 20, Merrill didn’t look overmatched, hitting .280 in the first month of the season. He finished the year with a .292/.326/.500 slash line, adding 24 home runs over 593 plate appearances. That performance earned Merrill an All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger award. Merrill finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, losing out to Pittsburgh Pirates starter Paul Skenes.

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

Following an excellent rookie season, expectations were 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 of the season. His hitting prowess and excellent defense in center is a big reason the Padres are 6-0 to start the season.