The San Diego Padres star centerfielder signed a nine-year, $135 million contract extension on Wednesday. Afterward, he was asked about why he wanted to commit long-term to San Diego, and he chose to passively bring up Juan Soto, who very notably chose not to commit long-term to San Diego.

San Diego Padres star Jackson Merrill felt compelled to throw shade at Juan Soto after signing a contract extension.

Jackson Merrill signed a big contract extension with the San Diego Padres, and he made an allusion to Juan Soto’s massive deal on his big day. Merrill agreed to a 9-year, $135 million extension with the Padres that can max out at $204 million based on escalators for plate appearances.