Morning Briefing: Jackson Merrill Inks Nine-Year Extension

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Padres, who have had several questions concerning their financial status, were able to lock up one of their young stars on Wednesday. San Diego’s center fielder, Jackson Merrill, had an All-Star campaign in his rookie year, slugging 24 home runs with a .292/.326/.500 slash line. Merrill agreed with the club on a nine-year, $135 million contract extension which can max out at $204 million and includes a $30 million club option for a 10th season that can convert to a player option, per Robert Murray of FanSided.

Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

Wednesday night the Mets were able to secure their first series win of the season by taking the rubber match against the Marlins down in Miami. Clay Holmes had a solid start for the Mets, going 4 2/3 IP with six hits, two runs (1 ER), and six strikeouts. Pete Alonso tied the game with a dead center game-tying three-run homer in the eighth, and New York would go on to win the game in the 11th inning.

The Mets have an off day today as they prepare to come home for the first time this season, hosting the Toronto Blue Jays for three games at Citi Field this weekend.

Latest Mets News

Juan Soto on Sandy Alcantara: “It would be one of the best trades that we could have. I know we have great pitching here, but adding a Cy Young winner like that would be huge,” per Mike Puma of the NY Post.

Jonah Tong is one of three Mets prospects who impressed scouts on spring training backfields, per Baseball America.

Mets third-round pick from Mississippi State, Nate Dohm, gets the ball for the St. Lucie Mets‘ opener.

The Mets signed first baseman Jon Singleton and infielder Niko Goodrum to minor league contracts, per Mike Mayer of MMO.

Carlos Mendoza told reporters that Frankie Montas has started throwing and has started throwing from 60 feet, per Tim Healey of Newsday. Montas is returning from a lat strain.

Latest MLB News

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Estuery Ruiz from the A’s in exchange for RHP Carlos Duran. Ruiz, who stole 67 bags in 2023, was DFA’d four days ago and will be optioned to Triple-A.

The Red Sox today signed INF/OF Kristian Campbell to an eight-year, $60 million contract extension that spans the 2025-2032 seasons, with club options for 2033 and 2034, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

The Diamondbacks have signed Ketel Marte to a new extension through 2031. It is worth $116.5 million, $64 million of which is new money, per Nick Piecoro of Arizona Republic.