The young Padres star shares the logic behind his variety of signatures and his side of an incident that drew the ire of card collectors

The San Diego Padres and star young center fielder Jackson Merrill have agreed to terms on a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, the team announced Wednesday. The pact includes a $30 million club option for a 10th season that can be converted into a player option,

The San Diego Padres have locked down their center fielder of the future by inking a nine-year, $135 million contract extension with Jackson Merrill. More news

Merrill, right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr., third baseman Manny Machado and shortstop Xander Bogaerts are all signed, now, through at least 2033. The Padres’ collection of nine-figure contracts — Bogaerts’ and Machado’s, in particular — eventually could hinder efforts to sustain their status as a postseason contender.

All-Star center fielder Jackson Merrill, from Severna Park, Maryland, started paying immediate dividends on the $135 million, nine-year contract he and the San Diego Padres finalized on Wednesday morning.

The Padres locked up their 21-year-old outfielder on Wednesday to a nine-year extension that signals they’re here to stay as a National League contender.

MLB player prop bets and odds for Jackson Merrill on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, as the San Diego Padres take on the Cleveland Guardians.

The San Diego Padres may have stumbled upon their next homegrown star after asking top prospect Jackson Merrill to make a position change two springs ago. His impressive 2024 breakout campaign resulted in him receiving a 9-year, $135 million contract extension from the franchise.

Jackson Merrill and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, source confirms to @YahooSports. The Padres lock in their young star CF, who became one of the best players in baseball in 2024. 1st: @ByRobertMurray