A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that All-Star outfielder Jackson Merrill and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a $135 million, nine-year contract covering 2026-34

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

Trusting Padres scouts Jake Koenig and Danny Sader, Preller and staff drafted Merrill with the 27th overall pick four years ago, then signed for under the MLB-recommended slot that enabled Preller to devote more money to other signings.

In the fourth inning on Monday night, Jackson Merrill got a hold of a hanging slider from Guardians left-hander Logan Allen. He launched it 411 feet to the beach area in right-center field, the toughest place to leave Petco Park.

The San Diego Padres are off to a hot start to the 2025 season, stringing together eight wins in their first two series against the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Guardians.

ABC 10News Sports Director Ben Higgins spoke with the 21-year-old centerfielder about Merrill's rapid ascent to baseball stardom.

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