Cardinals, rookie 2B JJ Wetherholt reportedly agree on 8-year, $112.5 million extension
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The St. Louis Cardinals and rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt have agreed to an eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension, which can max out at $132 million, marking the team's largest pre-arbitration player deal since Albert Pujols in 2004.
- Wetherholt, 23, has impressed in his rookie season with 13 home runs, a .267/.362/.411 batting line, 36 RBIs, and nine stolen bases, showcasing both offensive and defensive prowess.
- Defensively, Wetherholt has committed only two errors and leads MLB with 255 assists, excelling at second base with top percentile rankings in Fielding Run Value and Outs Above Average.
- Drafted seventh overall in 2022, Wetherholt debuted on Opening Day, making an immediate impact with a home run and a walk-off hit in his first two games.
- The extension secures Wetherholt as a cornerstone for the Cardinals' future, as the team is currently competing for a playoff spot despite earlier rebuilding expectations.
