MLB

Padres sign CF Jackson Merrill to nine-year, $135 million contract extension

When MLB teams extend talented young players, it’s almost always good business for the club. Securing key building blocks — usually at a significantly discounted price — gives franchises flexibility to plan for the future and add around those players. On the other hand, players typically agree to these extensions to guarantee generational wealth, even if they’re passing on more money in future years. In essence, it’s a win-win for all involved.

This pact guarantees Merrill $135 million over nine seasons — starting in 2026 — but it can max out at $204 million and includes an option for an additional 10th year. That’s a massive victory for the Padres, even though it includes a $10 million signing bonus, handed out immediately.

Merrill is the type of player you bet on long term. Just 21, the centerfielder burst onto the scene last season, hitting .292 with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs. Normally, that output would be more than good enough to earn Rookie of the Year honors, but Merrill was matched up against Paul Skenes, who won the award despite a lower WAR total.

I’m pretty floored that this contract wasn’t bigger — mainly in terms of dollars — but clearly the security meant something to Merrill, and it’s hard to fault him for that. San Diego is a huge winner in this deal, as it will retain one of the best young players in baseball for the next decade. That matters for a mid-market club, even if the Padres have operated on a high budget in recent seasons.

Grade: A+