The San Diego Padres have become known for locking down their brightest young stars to massive, long-term deals—think Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. Now, they’ve reportedly done it again, this time with one of the league’s rising talents. After emerging as the latest cornerstone to the Padres’ future, they locked Jackson Merrill in a massive extension deal. But, unlike past celebrations surrounding such deals, Merrill’s extension has sparked debate among fans and analysts.

The news of the massive extension first broke on Wednesday, with MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided leading the coverage. He tweeted: “BREAKING: Jackson Merrill and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a nine-year, $135 million contract extension, sources say.” Murray added that the complex deal, negotiated by KHG Sports, includes incentives that could raise the total value to $204 million. It also features a club option for a tenth season. This immediately placed Merrill’s long-term future and its hefty price tag under the microscope of the baseball world.

Merrill burst onto the Big League scene in 2024 as an exceptionally talented 21-year-old rookie sensation. He made a seamless transition to center field. He hit an excellent .292 with 24 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases, and an. 826 OPS. His phenomenal performance earned him a surprise All-Star selection, a Silver Slugger award, a runner-up finish for NL Rookie of the Year, and even Top-10 MVP votes–an incredible debut by any standard.

Even with that remarkable rookie season, the reported $135 million guaranteed over nine years felt low to many observers. Merrill’s eye-popping 2024 figures compared favorably to Julio Rodríguez’s AL Rookie of the Year campaign. After which, Rodríguez earned his own lucrative deal from Seattle. Some analysts had projected Merrill’s eventual worth to exceed $300 million based on his potential career trajectory. The deal’s roughly $15 million average annual value also seems modest next to Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $24 million average (though Tatis signed after two seasons). Locking up Merrill at that rate for several prime years of free agency ahead looks potentially very team-friendly move.

Padres lock down young star: fans question Merrill’s contract value

The stark contrast between Merrill’s already proven star-level production and the guaranteed money secured in his new long-term deal sparked passionate reactions online. Fans weren’t just discussing the extension. They were vociferously questioning whether the Padres had smartly, if not somewhat unethically, taken advantage of their young star. Many fans found the deal favorable to the team. “A steal for the Pads,” one fan commented.

Calling it a steal, this fan pointed out that baseball history is full of teams locking up young talent on the cheap. Consider the Tampa Bay Rays’ signing of Evan Longoria to a six-year, $17.5 million contract in 2008. After his rookie season, Longoria became a perennial All-Star. For Merrill, coming off a terrific 2024 rookie season, $135 million over nine years seems like the Padres are following a page from that playbook.

One fan was quite confused. As this contract shows that Merrill’s $15 million annual average is relatively low for his upside. Consider Juan Soto‘s contract with the Mets; he hit free agency at the age of 26 with four elite seasons under his belt. Merrill’s 2024 stats were impressive, with .294, 15 HRs, and 20 SVs at age-23. He could have waited four years for arbitration and free agency, potentially netting over $300 million.

The blame quickly shifted online towards Merrill’s representation. “He needs a new agent. The Padres fleeced him,” one fan said.

Some fans are furious, blaming Merrill’s agents, Drew Hardee and Josh Knipp, for leaving that money on the table. The Padres’ recent win over the Dodgers, where Merrill went 2-for-4 with a homer, has Padres Nation buzzing about his MVP potential. Suddenly, his base price tag of $135 million feels like daylight robbery.

Even fans acknowledged the upside for the Padres and regarded it as an almost unbelievable bargain. “The Padres just got themselves a bargain. #FutureMVP ⚾️.”

This fan’s tipping their cap to a deal, like when the Angels signed Mike Trout to a six-year, $144.5 million extension in 2014, pre-MVP. Merrill’s 2024 Gold Glove defense and his double-digit homer pop as a rookie have “FutureMVP” written all over him. It seems like the Padres bought a lottery ticket that’s already half-cashed.