(Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
The St. Louis Cardinals have secured one of baseball’s brightest young talents, agreeing to an eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension with rookie infielder JJ Wetherholt, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The deal keeps the National League Rookie of the Year frontrunner in St. Louis through the 2034 season and ranks among the largest guaranteed contracts in franchise history.
Wetherholt, the Cardinals’ first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, has quickly emerged as one of the game’s top young players after making the Opening Day roster and starring during his rookie campaign.
Wetherholt Earns Long-Term Commitment
The 23-year-old second baseman, who can also play shortstop, has been a key contributor on both sides of the ball this season.
He entered Friday batting .267/.362/.411 with 13 home runs, 36 RBIs, nine stolen bases and Gold Glove-caliber defense at second base. His all-around production has placed him among the league leaders in FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement and made him one of the most valuable rookies in baseball.
According to ESPN, the extension begins in 2027, runs through 2034 and includes performance bonuses that could increase its total value to $132 million. The contract contains no club options and buys out three of Wetherholt’s free-agent years, allowing him to reach the open market shortly after turning 32.
Cardinals Invest in Their Future
St. Louis discussed an extension with Wetherholt during spring training, but negotiations continued after several young shortstops around baseball signed long-term deals.
The agreement also signals a shift in the Cardinals’ financial approach after reducing payroll in recent seasons. With Wetherholt and outfielder Jordan Walker leading the club’s resurgence, the franchise appears willing to invest in its young core as it pushes back into postseason contention.
Wetherholt’s contract has drawn comparisons to Albert Pujols’ seven-year, $100 million extension signed in 2004, reflecting the organization’s belief that it has found another homegrown cornerstone.
The former West Virginia standout was selected seventh overall in the 2024 draft after signing with St. Louis for a $6.9 million bonus. Just two years later, he has become the first Cardinals player under contract for the 2027 season and a centerpiece of the franchise’s long-term plans.
