Jackson Merrill earns $5 million bonus with 500th plate appearance

San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill reached his 500th plate appearance on August 16, 2026, triggering a contract clause that grants him an additional $5 million. This new financial milestone increases the total value of his nine-year deal with the Padres from $135 million to at least $140 million. Merrill, 23, has shown significant improvement in performance post-All-Star break, batting.333 with nine home runs in the last 27 games following a slow start to the season. He had signed the extension in early 2025 after a strong rookie year, finishing as runner-up for the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year.

• 1:25 PMYahoo Sports — Padres player earns $5 million with his 500th plate appearance