Jackson Merrill wasn’t even supposed to be a center fielder. He was a shortstop, a natural infielder, and yet, on Opening Day 2024, there he was, tracking down fly balls in one of the most demanding outfield positions. That kind of adjustment doesn’t happen overnight, but Merrill made it look effortless. The results? An All-Star selection, a runner-up finish in Rookie of the Year voting, and now, a nine-year, $135 million contract extension that cements him as a cornerstone of the San Diego Padres’ future.
Big contracts for young players are always a risk. Some teams hesitate, fearful of committing too soon. Not the Padres. They’ve seen enough to believe Merrill isn’t just a one-year wonder—he’s the real deal. Former Mets GM Steve Phillips is among those applauding the move. “What an extraordinary season he had last year,” Phillips said. “The jump right out of spring training to play center field—never had played there before. Not only did he play great defense, he was a major force offensively and came up clutch time and time again.”
The praise he received was well deserved, considering Merrill’s performance on the field in his year as a rookie for the Padres and hitting .292 with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs, while demonstrating his skills that align perfectly with the team’s strategies. The team isn’t just paying for what he’s done—they’re paying for what they expect him to become.
INSTANT REACTION
The Padres reportedly lock up Jackson Merrill on a 9-year extension.@Padres | #ForTheFaithful
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— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) April 2, 2025
But let’s be real—$135 million is a lot of money for a player with just one full season under his belt. The Padres are banking on his continued development, trusting that his 2024 breakout wasn’t a fluke. The deal could climb to $204 million with incentives, making it a defining financial decision for a team that already carries hefty contracts for Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado.
So far, though, Merrill is making them look smart. He’s started 2025 strong, already launching his first home run and continuing to be a key presence in San Diego’s lineup. Any concerns about a sophomore slump? Not here. He looks locked in, playing with the same confidence that made him a standout last season.
In an era where teams hesitate to commit long-term to young players, the Padres aren’t just investing in Merrill—they’re betting big on him. Phillips and others believe it’s a gamble worth taking, but the real verdict will be decided on the field.
No sophomore slump—Padres Jackson Merrill’s hot start in 2025
If there were any doubts about Jackson Merrill handling the pressure of a big contract, he’s silencing them in a hurry. Some players crumble under the weight of expectations, but Merrill? He’s thriving. His bat is already heating up, with a key home run sparking the Padres’ offense early in the season. His ability to adjust to big-league pitching remains sharp, and his plate discipline has only improved.
Opposing pitchers aren’t finding many holes in his swing, a testament to his continued growth at just 21 years old. And let’s not forget the defense. Merrill isn’t just holding his own in center field—he’s making it look natural. A converted shortstop, he continues to cover ground like a seasoned outfielder, tracking balls with precision and flashing his athleticism.
At last, coaches and teammates have raved about his poise, and it’s clear he’s becoming a leader on this Padres squad. If he keeps this pace, San Diego’s gamble won’t just pay off—it’ll look like a steal.
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