Evaluating each blockbuster MLB extension this season, from Garrett Crochet to Ketel Marte

Baseball season has just begun, and a handful of players have already earned themselves contract extensions, for both the contributions that they have provided to their teams and the bright futures they have to offer.

Since Opening Day, five significant players have signed long-term deals. Let's explore these five contract extensions from these big-name players.

The surge of MLB contract extensions in 2025

Garrett Crochet

The Boston Red Sox locked up their ace to a six-year, $170 million contract extension. Garrett Crochet was traded to the Red Sox on December 11th, 2024.

So far this season, he's sporting a 1-0 record with a 1.38 ERA and 12 strikeouts. Questions remain about how much value Crochet can provide the team on this deal, considering he's only ever made it through one full season as an MLB starter (2024), in which he threw just 146 innings.

Still, the Red Sox were smart to lock up the 26-year-old dominant southpaw, who was set to become a free agent following the 2026 season.

Jackson Merrill

The San Diego Padres agreed to a nine-year, $135 million contract extension with center fielder Jackson Merrill. He's been impressive for the Padres this season, recording two home runs, eight RBI, and 10 hits.

He was an All-Star last season for the Padres, recording 24 home runs, 90 RBI, 26 stolen bases, 31 doubles, and 162 hits as a rookie. Merrill was also a Silver Slugger award winner and finished second in ROY voting.

Given the team's enormous commitments to aging stars on the roster, locking down the 21-year-old on a decade-long contract was simply good business.

Kristian Campbell

Kristian Campbell and the Boston Red Sox agreed to an eight-year, $60 million contract extension. He earned the contract extension within a week of making his MLB debut.

The 22-year-old takes pride in the Red Sox organization, as they have helped him develop to get to the big leagues. But his rapid rise to prominence has been quite the journey.

In 2023, he was drafted in the fourth round and quickly became a top-10 prospect in 2024. He then earned the start at second base on Opening Day this season following solid performances in the minors and in spring training.

In 2024, he hit 20 home runs, 32 doubles, and stole 24 bases in 115 games across all minor league levels. He's slashing a comical .423/.515/.808 through his first eight games in Boston.

Ketel Marte

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Ketel Marte agreed to a six-year, $116.5 million contract extension. The two-time All-Star recorded a career-high 36 home runs and 95 RBI with the Diamondbacks last season, finishing third in a loaded NL MVP race.

The primary second baseman received praise from baseball executive Mike Hazen following the contract extension:

“You're looking at one of the best players in the entire league,” Hazen said. “So our ability to have one of the best players in the entire league playing on our team for a long period of time is a goal of mine.”

Marte should continue to rake in the middle of the Diamondbacks' lineup while surrounded by Corbin Carroll and Josh Naylor.

Brandon Pfaadt

Speaking of Arizona, Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt agreed to a five-year, $75 million contract extension on March 29th. Last season, the 26-year-old sported a 4.71 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP across 32 starts.

His performance on the mound was solid on account of his 3.60 FIP and 185 strikeouts. His strongest asset is that he is a reliable workhorse. His durability was represented last season with 181.1 innings pitched, which was a career high.

At just 25 years old, he should be a fixture alongside Corbin Burnes in the desert for years to come.

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