Yahoo Sports’ Russell Dorsey confirmed Wednesday that San Diego Padres’ outfielder Jackson Merrill has agreed to a nine-year, $135 million extension with the team. The deal includes a $30 million club option for a 10th season and has a maximum value of $204 million (depending on incentives). The extension will not kick in until the 2026 MLB season.

Merrill would have been eligible for arbitration after the 2026 season and for free agency after the 2029 World Series. The team option for 2035 that would convert to a player option if Merrill has a top-five finish in MVP voting at any point during the contract.

Merrill, who turns 22 on April 19, made his major league debut last season and became an All-Star, batting .292 with 24 home runs, 90 RBI and 16 stolen bases. He finished second in National League Rookie of the Year behind to Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.

Merrill opened the 2025 season as a middle-of-the-order bat for the Padres, and is hitting .400 through the team’s first six games. The Padres are off to a strong 6-0 to start off the season.

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