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Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt lands long-term contract extension
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- Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt lands long-term contract extension
Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt lands long-term contract extension appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The St. Louis Cardinals (48-44) have a big decision to make regarding their MLB trade deadline plans , but the organization is not conflicted whatsoever about its starting second baseman. JJ Wetherholt and the Redbirds have agreed to an eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network (ESPN's Jeff Passan first reported that a deal had been reached).
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Investing in young, promising ballplayers who are just beginning their MLB careers is becoming a common strategy in this sport, and Cardinals brass is willing to continue that trend when it comes to the National League Rookie of the Year favorite. St. Louis is buying out multiple years of free agency with this new deal.
Wetherholt has a .267 batting average, .362 on-base percentage, .411 slugging percentage and .773 OPS with 13 home runs, 36 RBIs and 57 runs scored through 87 games. Besides having a good eye at the plate, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft is playing excellent defense for the Cards. He has recorded 12 defensive runs saved and 16 outs above average in 737 2/3 innings at second , according to FanGraphs.
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The 23-year-old's fast rise has helped accelerate the Cardinals' competitive timetable, turning what is supposed to be a transitional campaign into a potential playoff pursuit. If JJ Wetherholt, All-Star Jordan Walker and the rest of this spunky group can stay in contention for an NL Wild Card slot, management may be forced to take more initiative.
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If nothing else, the franchise is clearly willing to reward its homegrown talent. The youth movement carries on in St. Louis.
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