MLBPA 'Strongly Advised' Jackson Merrill To Reject Padres' Contract Extension

Jackson Merrill’s nine-year, $135 million extension with the San Diego Padres has stirred up plenty of debate—not because it lacks value, but because many around the league believe the 21-year-old star signed it too soon. 

After a breakout rookie season where he launched 24 home runs, drove in 90 runs, stole 16 bases, posted a .826 OPS, and finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting while receiving MVP votes, Merrill seemed poised for a massive payday down the road. 

Instead, he locked into a deal that pays him an average of $15 million a year—an amount that raised concerns among union representatives. According to Bob Nightengale, lawyers from the players association “strongly advised him to reject the offer,” viewing it as a significant undervaluation of his talent and market potential.

Jackson Merrill is ELITE.

Padres were the only team even thinking about drafting him in the first round. Their scouts even tried to hide at his HS games in Maryland to not draw attention to him.

Also was a SS. Now he’s one of the best gloves in CF.

In a year without Paul… pic.twitter.com/zpeX9Rp3aL

— Zack Rutter (@ZaxxRutter) April 5, 2025

Despite those warnings, Merrill made his decision based on more than just numbers. The young center fielder spoke openly about his loyalty to the Padres and the relationships he’s built since being drafted by the team. 

“From that first conversation, I knew that I wanted to be here forever,” Merrill said, referring to early talks with the front office. “I know there’s 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.” 

For Merrill, the deal wasn’t about maximizing his earnings—it was about committing to a franchise he believes in, and one that believed in him before his name was ever called in the draft.

Jackson Merrill is the youngest player in Padres history to reach 100 career RBI

(h/t @AJCassavell) pic.twitter.com/W8P17K8Vbj

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) April 7, 2025

Still, Merrill’s decision sparked mixed reactions within the clubhouse and across the league. Some teammates quietly questioned whether he sold himself short, especially considering his age and rapid ascent. 

But Merrill isn’t second-guessing it. He believes in the value of stability and the opportunity to grow with the Padres over the long haul. “You can’t just sign for an astronomical sum and expect everything to be perfect,” he said.

This season, the 21-year-old is off to a blistering start, slashing .378/.415/.676, along with three home runs, 10 RBIs, one stolen base, and seven runs scored across 10 games played.

Photo Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images