Padres star Jackson Merrill agrees with an extension of nine years by $ 135 million

(Read more: Padres star Jackson Merrill reflects his quick climb in MLB and what is in front of it in 2025)))

The 21-year-old Merrill has performed like a future star since the moment when he made his debut in Major-League in 2024. He joined the Padres in the last spring to make the Padres squad, but he earned his place in the majors after moving to the center of Field in Center Field during the spring training and for the first time in his career.

Although Merrill was 20, he did not look overrated in the majors and scored in the first month of the season .280. He ended the year with a Slash line of .292/.326/.500 and 24 Home Runs over 593 record appearances. This performance brought him an all-star nod and a Silver Slugger Award. Merrill took second place in the National League Rookie of the Year, behind Pittsburgh Pirates Ace Paul Slenes.

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As a newcomer, Merrill also had a knack for getting through in the coupling. In situations with high levers he met with nine home runs per baseball reference .279/.321/.606.

After an excellent rookie season, expectations for Merrill are high in 2025. He opened the season as a bat for the Padres in the middle of the order and steps to 0.400 in the first six games. His blows and excellent defense in the center are a large part of why the Padres are 6-0 for the season.