The San Diego Padres and star outfielder Jackson Merrill have agreed to a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, according to multiple reports.
The deal, first reported Wednesday by FanSided, includes a $30 million club option for a 10th season and has a maximum value of $204 million, according to reports.
Merrill, who turns 22 later this month, would not have been eligible for salary arbitration until 2027. The 2021 first-round draft pick becomes the latest Padre to sign a nine-figure contract, joining Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts and Yu Darvish.
Merrill was the runner-up for the National League Rookie of the Year in 2024 after batting .292 with 25 home runs, 90 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. He is off to a strong start this season as well, going 8-for-20 with a homer in San Diego’s first six games.
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