The biggest contract in MLB and the extended chatter – seems like forever, doesn’t it? And now, the Padres’ very recent signing, decided to chime in on that conversation. While Jackson Merrill is helping his current team solidify their position in the league standings, he couldn’t stop himself from what it felt like, taking an indirect jab at his ex-Padres (2022 & 2023) mate Soto. 

Perhaps Merrill isn’t happy with his former teammate’s decision to sign with a club that offered him the highest bid.

The San Diego Padres recently extended their contract with Jackson Merrill. His excitement and appreciation of the team were evident from his response. “I think just even hearing like an opportunity to sign with the San Diego Padres is enough for me, you know.” But I also feel like there comes a line where you know what you’re worth and know your value.” While his comments definitely highlight how privileged he feels to be with the team he is most connected to, did he just point his fingers at Juan Soto?

Jackson Merrill didn’t hesitate to mention how other teams were offering huge amounts of money, although for him, relationships matter more. “Listen, I know there are contracts out there that are beyond absurd; there’s a super amount of money. But money, a relationship with a real human being and real time like I have here—you can’t beat that.”

Think about it – Juan Soto was offered a record-breaking $765 million by the New York Mets. And well, Soto did choose the money (and why not!), but there were other perks, too! Despite getting offers from his former teams, even the Yankees, he decided to move on. So, yeah, every word from Merrill’s reaction seems like “throwing a lil shade at Soto…” 

The 21-year-old centre fielder also cited that one cannot expect everything to be perfect while getting $700 million.

Provided this was at all an eye-rolling stare at Juan Soto, why the bitterness? What do you think?

But now, the most important thing for Jackson Merrill is that his contract has finally been extended, and he gets to stay where he is most comfortable.

Jackson Merrill starts the season with a bang

Ever since the San Diego Padres extended the centre fielder’s contract for a hefty nine-year, $135 million contract, Merrill’s performance has been better. Right after the signing on Wednesday that secures his time at San Diego till 2031, the team made it big, winning 5-2 against the Cleveland Guardians at Petco Park.

And all of these happened amidst the lawsuit concerning the club’s ownership and debates around whether the Padres will remain the favorites after their dismal offseason. However, their young talent, Jackson Merrill, put a smile on their faces as he hit a home run in the third inning, which even garnered a standing ovation from the crowd at the stadium. But that’s not all!

The Padres’ third baseman, Manny Machado, has been hitting quite well, while Fernando Tatis Jr. has also been on fire, making him a likely MVP candidate. Moreover, their pitching staffs have the best ERA, which even makes them a powerhouse to reckon with. They literally have had the best start this season, staying unbeaten so far.

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But the lawsuit involving the widow of the former owner, Peter Seidler, and his brothers regarding the control of the team is still a problem. According to Sheel Seidler, the brothers tried to make a name for themselves by removing the name of the late owner, who transformed the club into a high-spending, well-performing team. 

Nonetheless, we can focus on that a few days later, no? Because now, it’s time to celebrate their win and not the struggles! That’s a discussion for another day probably!