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Cardinals Eye Long-Term Deal for Rookie JJ Wetherholt

Recent record contracts for young hitters could set the price St. Louis must consider.

Overview

  • The Cardinals, reported Wednesday, have interest in extending Wetherholt, though no substantive negotiations have been disclosed.
  • Wetherholt made the Opening Day roster in the leadoff spot and started with six hits, a home run, two walks and three strikeouts over 23 plate appearances.
  • Seattle’s Colt Emerson set a new benchmark with an eight-year, $95 million pre-debut contract that now frames early-career talks across the league.
  • The Prospect Promotion Incentive still applies because Wetherholt already has service time, which could net St. Louis a bonus draft pick if he wins Rookie of the Year or places top three in MVP voting within three seasons.
  • The No. 7 pick in 2024 who hit .306/.421/.510 in the minors, Wetherholt is slated for second base next to shortstop Masyn Winn and is viewed as a key piece for the Cardinals’ youth-driven rebuild.