San Diego Padres secure Jackson Merrill for the long term! After an impressive rookie season, the Padres have ensured Jackson Merrill will be a key part of their future plans. The team announced on Wednesday that Merrill has signed a nine-year, $135 million contract extension. According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the deal could be valued at up to $204 million and includes a $30 million club option for a tenth season.
The Padres currently have the ninth-highest payroll in the majors at $208.9 million. Merrill, drafted in the first round in 2021 as a shortstop, transitioned to center field last spring due to veteran infielders Xander Bogaerts and Ha-Seong Kim. Despite the change, Merrill excelled defensively, ranking sixth among center fielders in Statcast’s Outs Above Average metric. At the plate, he impressed by hitting .292 with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs, earning a Silver Slugger award. Merrill was also named to the National League All-Star team and finished as the runner-up in the Rookie of the Year voting.
