Jackson Merrill Gets Paid: Padres Agree to 9-Year, $135 Million Extension

The San Diego Padres didn’t waste any time. Just one week into the 2025 MLB season, they’ve locked up one of the game’s brightest young stars. Jackson Merrill — the 21-year-old outfielder who’s already become a fan favorite — has agreed to a nine-year contract extension that will keep him in a Padres uniform through the 2034 season.

The team didn’t officially share the financials, but multiple sources confirmed to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel that the extension is worth $135 million. There’s also a $30 million option for a 10th year, and if everything goes right — MVP-level stuff — Merrill could earn as much as $204 million over the life of the deal.

Not bad for a kid who was playing shortstop in the minors just over a year ago.

Merrill Makes Noise After Signing — Literally

Just hours after putting pen to paper, Merrill showed exactly why the Padres made this move. Batting in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians, he launched a two-run homer with two outs to put San Diego up 4-0. He admired it, flipped the bat, and threw up a smooth arm gesture as he jogged the bases.

That’s now two games in a row with a home run. He’s also got at least one hit in all seven games this season. Safe to say, Merrill is putting on a show.

But this deal isn’t just about seven good games. It’s about a franchise betting big on a guy they believe will be the heart of this team for a long, long time.

A Rookie Season That Changed Everything

Merrill’s rise has been nothing short of incredible. Last year, heading into spring training, the Padres had a crowded infield but barely any outfielders. So what did Merrill do? He moved to center field — a position he hadn’t played — and ran with it.

By Opening Day, he’d won the job. By the end of the season, he’d hit .292 with 24 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. He finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year race, right behind Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.

San Diego saw enough to know they didn’t want to risk losing him down the line. And Merrill? He made it clear he wasn’t looking to leave.

You Can’t Put a Price on Trust

At a press conference before Wednesday’s game, Merrill was relaxed, honest, and grateful. He didn’t try to sound polished. He just spoke from the heart.

“Just the opportunity to sign with the Padres means a lot to me,” he said. “But at the same time, you’ve got to know your worth. There are some wild contracts out there with crazy money. But what I’ve got here — real people, real relationships — that means more to me than anything.”

You don’t hear that kind of stuff every day, especially in professional sports, where money usually talks the loudest. But Merrill is cut from a different cloth. He cares about where he plays and who he plays for.

Day-One Love That Never Faded

There’s something about the Padres that stuck with Merrill. He remembers when they were the first team to really believe in him, scouting him before anyone else gave him a serious look. That kind of loyalty doesn’t get forgotten.

“They were the first team to scout me, the first to reach out,” he said. “They saw something in me when no one else did. That never left me. It always felt like they wanted me here.”

So when the extension came up, it didn’t take much convincing. Merrill knew this is where he belonged.

Building a Core for the Long Haul

This deal continues a trend for the Padres — locking down their stars early and building around a solid foundation. Merrill now joins Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, and Yu Darvish as Padres signed to nine-figure contracts.

Manager Mike Shildt is thrilled to have Merrill in that mix.

“It’s a privilege, really,” Shildt said. “He fits perfectly with the group we have. He’s a competitor, he’s humble, and he’s just getting started.”

And he’s right. Merrill doesn’t even turn 22 until April 19. He’s already shown he can handle pressure, adjust on the fly, and deliver in big moments. Now, he gets to grow alongside some of the best players in the league — all under one roof.

Source: Sources: Padres extend Jackson Merrill for 9 years, $135M

Dollars, Cents, and the Bigger Picture

For now, Merrill is still earning $809,500 this season — a nice raise from the league minimum he made last year. He also picked up just under $1.2 million from the pre-arbitration bonus pool. But this new deal will take care of him for the next decade.

Without it, Merrill would’ve been arbitration-eligible after the 2026 season and hit free agency after 2029. That’s no longer a concern — for him or the Padres.

And if he finishes in the top five in MVP voting during any season of the contract, the 2035 club option flips to a player option. That gives him a little added control and potential for more earnings.

He also gets one of the ultimate player perks: a hotel suite on every road trip. It’s a small thing, but it shows the Padres aren’t just throwing money — they’re investing in his comfort and success.

A Win-Win Deal

For Merrill, this extension offers security, stability, and the chance to keep growing in a place he loves. For the Padres, it means they don’t have to worry about losing their young star to free agency or watching his price skyrocket.

It’s a smart move — one that mirrors what other teams have done with their young talent. Think Julio Rodríguez in Seattle. Corbin Carroll in Arizona. The trend is clear: lock up your future now.

Merrill fits that mold perfectly. He’s talented, marketable, and still hungry.

More Than Just a Contract

In the end, this deal isn’t just about money or stats. It’s about what Jackson Merrill represents — a homegrown star who loves the team that believed in him first. A player who values trust over flash. A competitor who wants to win in San Diego, not somewhere else.

There’s a good chance this contract becomes a steal in a few years if Merrill keeps trending upward. But even if he just keeps doing what he’s doing now — hitting, leading, showing up every day — he’s already worth every penny.

Padres fans, get used to seeing No. 3 roaming the outfield at Petco Park. He’s not going anywhere.

And honestly, he never wanted to.

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