All-Star outfielder Jackson Merrill reportedly agreed to a nine-year, $135 million extension with the Friars that is guaranteed to run through the 2034 season. NBC 7’s Darnay Tripp has more.
The San Diego Padres' strong start to 2025 just got better.
All-Star outfielder Jackson Merrill reportedly agreed to a nine-year, $135 million extension with the Friars that is guaranteed to run through the 2034 season.
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WATCH HERE"This is exactly where I want to be," Merrill said during a press conference Wednesday morning.
That realization came during his first conversation with Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller before Merrill was even drafted in 2021.
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"The Padres were the first team that ever reached out to me, ever scouted me. They believed in me from day one," Merrill said. "They believed in me, they trusted me and they wanted me."
Robert Murray of FanSided first reported news of the deal on Wednesday morning.
The deal can max out at $204 million depending on incentives, plus it includes a $30 million club option for a 10th season (2035) that can be converted to a player option with a top-five finish in MVP voting.
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His goals during the length of that contract are simple.
"Winning and just winning only," Merrill said. "My goal is to win. It's always been to win, it's always been to dominate with my boys on the field and I'm just happy I get to do it for a long amount of time now."
Merrill, still just 21 years old, is well on his way to already reaching that incentive after breakout out last season. He hit .292 with 24 home runs, 90 RBIs, 31 doubles and 16 stolen bases over 156 games, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting and being named a Silver Slugger.
The Padres are off to a 6-0 start this season, with Merrill headlining their offense alongside Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. Through six games, the center fielder is batting .400 with a home run and six RBIs.
"There's always a positive energy here. I've never felt a negative energy, even when we lose games. It's just like how can you be so upset about where you are right now? You're playing in the big leagues, you're playing in San Diego. There's really not much to complain about."
San Diego will look to wrap up a perfect homestand on Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians, with first pitch set for 1:10 p.m. PT.
