According to a fresh rumour, the San Diego Padres discussed an agreement with promising standout Jackson Merrill prior to this season. And conversations are expected to restart this winter.
The Padres had a successful 2024 season. Sure, they didn’t win the National League West or make it to the NLCS, but their 93 wins were the most in nearly three decades. Many players deserve credit for their performance this season, but one has to question where they would have finished without youngster Jackson Merrill.
The 21-year-old was a revelation this year, demonstrating quickly why he was listed as the franchise’s top prospect after the 2023 season. The teenager played centerfield and earned All-Star honours in his rookie season. .292/.326/.500/.826 slash line with 24 homers and 90 RBI.
However, it appears like the San Diego Padres management office understood Merrill was going to be an impact player from the start of last season.
Last winter, the San Diego Padres failed to negotiate an agreement for Jackson Merrill.
“According to league sources, the Padres discussed a possible extension with Merrill last offseason, before he played his first major-league game.” However, the two sides did not reach a deal,” The Athletic Padres source Dennis Lin revealed last week. “Now, after the 21-year-old hit 24 home runs and led the team in FanGraphs wins above replacement, the price has jumped.”
Signing great prospects before or immediately following their rookie season has become an increasing trend in Major League Baseball in recent seasons. So, will the San Diego Padres resume extension talks this winter?
Lin’s article went over the Padres’ seven free agents this winter, including which ones they are most likely to re-sign or offer new contracts to. Merrill was ranked top on a list that included fellow emerging star Michael King, trade deadline acquisition Luis Arraez, and ace Dylan Cease.
As he noted, Merrill’s worth has skyrocketed since last year. However, the Padres would be prudent to sign him before he wants to wait until free agency or receives significant raises later in arbitration.
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