San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill has earned a $5 million raise on his $135 million deal for a simple reason: he reached 500 plate appearances this season.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Merrill's nine-year contract extension with the Padres is now for $140 million instead of $135 million after this milestone was reached. The 23-year-old outfielder will earn an extra $1 million per year across the next five seasons.
Merrill has been playing well in August, hitting .321 with a 1.004 OPS in 58 plate appearances in 14 games. His recent performance has helped the Padres storm back into postseason contention.
The Padres' recent success can be attributed in part to Merrill's efforts. He's under club control through the 2035 season and has added a bit more money to his already fairly large contract.
While $5 million isn't a lot compared to the $140M-plus deal he signed, it's still a nice reward for Merrill's health this season as he tries to help the Padres make the postseason in his third year in the big leagues.
Merrill's .710 OPS this season is the worst of his career so far. However, considering his production lately, Merrill is clearly better than those season-long numbers suggest.
The raise is a result of a clause in Merrill's contract that rewards him for reaching this threshold. It's a significant increase, especially considering the already large contract he signed.
Merrill's contract extension was signed earlier this year, and now he's added a bit more money to his deal. The extra $5 million will be a welcome addition to his already substantial contract.
The Padres' recent success is a result of a combination of factors, including Merrill's efforts. He's been a key player in their recent resurgence, and his raise is a testament to his hard work.
As the Padres continue to push for the postseason, Merrill's contract extension will be a crucial factor in their efforts. The extra $5 million will give him a bit more motivation to perform well and help the team make a deep run in the playoffs.
Source: Yahoo Sports