Padres, Jackson Merrill, Agree to Massive Contract

The San Diego Padres are the latest to do so. On Wednesday morning, it was announced that the Padres and Silver Slugger-winning centerfielder Jackson Merrill have agreed to a nine-year, $135 million contract. Merrill can earn up to $204 million and there is a $30 million club option for a tenth season, according to FanSided's Robert Murray.

Merrill has just one season of MLB experience under his belt with 156 games last year and six this year. However, it took no time at all for the Padres to know he was going to be a star.

Last year, Merrill finished with 4.4 bWAR, 128 OPS+, and slashed .292/.326/.500 with 24 home runs and 90 RBI. His breakout season earned him a Sliver Slugger award, an All-Star appearance, and he finished second for NL Rookie of the Year and ninth for NL MVP.

Merrill is one of the emerging stars of the game. Already, he's one of the best centerfielders in the NL, but he hasn't even hit his stride yet as a professional player. The former 27th-overall pick, alongside the likes of Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and the rest of the potentially potent Padres lineup will be exciting for years to come.

Merrill is going to be a fun player in San Diego for a long time. As for this year, he and his team are looking to extend the best start in franchise history with seven straight wins out of the gate if they can sweep the Cleveland Guardians.