sports
Cardinals agree to eight-year extension with infielder JJ Wetherholt
The St. Louis Cardinals and infielder JJ Wetherholt reached an eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension. The deal, announced Friday, runs from 2027 through 2034 and includes performance bonuses that can raise the total value to $132 million.
Jul 11, 10:40 AM·1m read1 source
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The St. Louis Cardinals and infielder JJ Wetherholt reached an eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension, sources told ESPN. The Cardinals announced the extension on Friday but did not disclose financial terms at the time. Wetherholt, the Cardinals' first-round pick in 2024, reached the major-league roster this season and ranks eighth among position players in FanGraphs wins above replacement.
The 23-year-old left-handed hitter has spent most of his time at second base and has also played shortstop.
Performance bonuses can increase the total value to $132 million. Wetherholt will not reach free agency until age 32 because he attended college. Four other rookies signed extensions earlier this year, including Detroit's Kevin McGonigle for eight years and $150 million and Pittsburgh's Konnor Griffin for nine years and $140 million.
Seattle's Colt Emerson received an eight-year, $95 million guarantee, and Milwaukee's Cooper Pratt signed for eight years and $50.75 million.
