Overview

• Jackson Merrill's nine-year, $135 million contract extension, starting in 2026, includes incentives that could increase its value to $204 million.
• The deal features a $30 million team option for 2035, which converts to a player option if Merrill earns a top-five MVP finish during the contract.
• Merrill, an All-Star and NL Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2024, has started the 2025 season strongly, batting .400 with two home runs and six RBIs in seven games.
• The Padres, now 7-0 for the first time in franchise history, have swept both the Braves and Guardians to open the season.
• The extension aligns with the Padres' strategy of securing young talent, though analysts debate whether the deal undervalues Merrill's future earning potential.