John
Jackson Merrill, the runner-up for the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year Award is cashing in on his early success.
According to Robert Murray of FanSided, Merrill has agreed to a nine-year, $135 million extension with the San Diego Padres. The new 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.
BREAKING: Jackson Merrill and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, sources say. The deal, which can max out at $204 million and includes a $30 million club option for a tenth season that can convert to a player option, was…
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) April 2, 2025
Merrill, 21, is represented by KHG Sports.
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.
More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.
