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Jackson Merrill Agrees to $135 Million Extension With Padres: Reports


Jackson Merrill, the runner-up for the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year Award is cashing in on his early success.

According to multiple reports Tuesday, Merrill has agreed to a nine-year, $135 million extension with the San Diego Padres. Robert Murray of FanSided, who was first to report the deal, reports the contract can max out at $204 million and includes a $30 million club option for a 10th season that can convert to a player option.

Merrill, 21, is represented by KHG Sports.

Jackson Merrill Heliot Ramos extension
Heliot Ramos #17 of the San Francisco Giants and Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres warm up prior to the 94th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Globe Life Field on July…


Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

Merrill was a highly regarded shortstop prospect who transitioned from his original position to center field in spring training a year ago. Depsite having never played center field before his major league debut last year, he seized the Padres’ Opening Day job at the position and never let go.

By the time the 2024 season had ended, Merrill had a .292 batting average, .326 on-base percentage and .500 slugging percentage, with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs. He made the All-Star team, won a Silver Slugger Award, and finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting to Paul Skenes.

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Merrill was the 27th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 MLB draft. He was named to the 2023 Futures Game and was a Padres organizational All-Star twice.

Merrill’s rookie season was one of the best in Padres history. He began the season as the number-9 hitter in manager Mike Shildt’s lineup, but had moved up to No. 5 by the end of the season for the 93-69 Padres.

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The Padres secured an NL Wild Card berth before losing to the rival Los Angeles Dodgers in a thrilling five-game NL Division Series.

In five games this season, Merrill is slashing .412/.421/.471 (146 OPS+).

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Merrill was on track to become a free agent after the 2030 season. Now, he looks to be part of the Padres’ future for most if not all of the next decade.

More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.





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