The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to terms on a significant contract extension with their promising rookie second baseman, JJ Wetherholt. The deal is reportedly for eight years and worth $112.5 million, with the potential to reach $132 million.
Wetherholt, the No. 7 overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, has made a strong impression in his first professional season. He is currently batting .267 with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs, contributing to a Cardinals team that is three games behind an NL wild-card spot. His defensive contributions have also been notable, with 16 outs above average recorded this season.
The extension will buy out several years of potential free agency for the 23-year-old player. Wetherholt, who was considered an All-Star snub, has posted a WAR of 3.9, placing him among the top 12 players in Major League Baseball. Prior to his MLB debut, he demonstrated considerable talent in the minor leagues, hitting .306 with a .931 OPS across Double-A and Triple-A last year.
Wetherholt's deal follows similar substantial extensions given to other recent draftees. Earlier this season, the Detroit Tigers signed Kevin McGonigle to an eight-year, $150 million contract, and the Pittsburgh Pirates awarded Konnor Griffin a nine-year, $140 million pact in April.
Wetherholt has experienced a particularly strong performance in July, batting .314 with an .857 OPS over nine games this month. The Cardinals are set to face the Braves on Friday night.