San Diego Padres All-Star outfielder Jackson Merrill has a goal to to win a World Series title with the team. Merrill signed a nine-year contract extension with the Padres on Wednesday.

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

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 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.

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.

Against right-handed pitching, the Padres’ lineup decisions have actually been straightforward this year. Sure, there was some measure of surprise when Fernando Tatis Jr. took over the leadoff spot, with the lefty-hitting Luis Arraez dropped to second.

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 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.