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.

MLB player prop bets and odds for Jackson Merrill on Friday, April 4, 2025, as the San Diego Padres take on the Chicago Cubs.

The San Diego Padres signed outfielder Jackson Merrill to a nine-year, $135 million contract extension Wednesday morning. More news: Padres Outfielder Remains

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, their 21-year-old center fielder who just began his second big-league season, has agreed to a nine-year contract extension that begins in 2026 and guarantees him $135 million. “This is exactly where I want to be,” Merrill said Wedesday morning. “I’ve never imagined myself with any other team.”

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.

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.

The San Diego Padres and All-Star outfielder Jackson Merrill agreed to a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, a source familiar with the agreement told UPI on Wednesday.

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