The San Diego Padres are locking down their future, securing young phenom Jackson Merrill with a massive nine-year, $135 million contract extension that includes a club option for 2035.
At just 21 years old, Merrill has quickly become a franchise cornerstone, and this long-term deal solidifies his place at the heart of San Diego’s roster.
Merrill has wasted no time proving his worth this season, hitting .400 with six RBIs while helping the Padres race out to a perfect 7-0 start.
His stellar performance builds on an impressive rookie campaign in which he was a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year and posted an impressive 4.4 bWAR.
While Merrill’s on-field performance was the headline, his comments during his contract announcement raised eyebrows – especially for what appeared to be a clear shot at former Padres star Juan Soto.
During his press conference, Merrill emphasized the importance of team chemistry and loyalty, seemingly referencing the massive 15-year, $765 million contract Soto signed with the New York Mets after leading the Yankees to the 2024 World Series.
“I know there are contracts out there that are beyond absurd, but having a relationship with a real human being and a real team like I have here – you can’t beat that,” Merrill said. “You know, you can’t just sign for $700 million and want everything to be perfect.”
While Merrill and Soto never played together in the majors, their time within the Padres organization overlapped in 2022 and 2023.
Merrill’s comments suggest some lingering frustration over Soto’s departure, implying that chasing the biggest contract might not always align with building a winning team culture.
Meanwhile, Soto’s transition to the Mets has been anything but smooth. Despite his historic contract, New York has struggled mightily, and early-season concerns are mounting over their pitching staff.
While Merrill is thriving in San Diego, Soto and the Mets have yet to prove their record-breaking investment will pay off.
If Merrill’s comments are any indication, San Diego has moved on – and they like the direction they’re headed.
What are your thoughts on Merrill’s anti-Soto comments???
