Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt rewarded with massive $112.5 million extension

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JJ Wetherholt is sticking around in St. Louis.

The Cardinals’ star rookie is in agreement on an eight-year, $112.5 million deal, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported.

The deal can reach a maximum value of $132 million.

Wetherholt, the No. 7 overall pick in 2024, is having a promising rookie year for the Cardinals.

The second baseman is slashing a .267/.362/.411 line with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs for a Cardinals team currently three games back of an NL wild-card spot.

He has also provided an impact in the field, as he’s recorded 16 outs above average. 


Baseball player JJ Wetherholt #26 of the St. Louis Cardinals throwing to first base.JJ Wetherholt #26 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws to first for an out against the Tampa Bay Rays
JJ Wetherholt and the St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to terms on a massive extension. Getty Images

The news was first reported by ESPN, who added that the deal would buy out several years of free agency.

Wetherholt, 23, was considered an All-Star snub when the rosters for the Midsummer Classic were released last weekend.

The former West Virginia star has a WAR of 3.9 – tied for 12th-best in MLB.

He dominated in the minors last year as he hit a combined .306 with a .931 OPS in Double-A and Triple-A.


Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt reacting after scoring from a bases-loaded RBI single and fielding error.
Wetherwolt has had a strong rookie season for the Cardinals. AP

Wetherholt is not the only MLB rookie to receive a big payday this year.

Kevin McGonigle and the Tigers agreed on an eight-year, $150 million deal earlier this season.

Konnor Griffin was also rewarded with a nine-year, $140 million pact in April by the Pirates.

Wetherholt’s deal comes amid a red-hot July for the young player.

In nine games this month, he is hitting .314 and has a .857 OPS.

Wetherholt and the Cardinals will take on the Braves on Friday night.

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