The St. Louis Cardinals announced Friday that their budding star at second base will be around for the long haul. On an 8 year $112.5 million contract extension that will bypass the first two seasons of Wetherholt’s possible free agency, but the most important factor to that contract isn’t just the eight seasons in St. Louis, but the omission of opt-outs in the contract, meaning that Wetherholt does not have an out from this contract through 2034.
That is not to say that Wetherholt would want an out from St. Louis, but rather the commitment to the Cardinals and wanting to see Chaim Bloom’s vision unfold. From the moment he was drafted, it was expected of Wetherholt to be a major part of the retool, rebuild, or whatever you want to call the Cardinals' trajectory this season. The Cardinals' second baseman has certainly lived up to the hype this season, as he is currently the favorite to win National League Rookie of the Year and ranks among the top 10 in offensive WAR.
There were rumblings of a deal in late March and early April, but ultimately nothing came to fruition until Friday, and that was in the Cardinals' best interest. By giving Wetherholt his extension in July rather than before the season, the Cardinals were able to keep him eligible for the prospect promotion incentive, meaning that if he were to win Rookie of the Year this season, the Cardinals would gain a 2027 draft pick.
On the heels of this extension, the Cardinals' focus likely shifts toward reaching an agreement with breakout star Jordan Walker. The Cardinals' right fielder is showing everyone this season why he was so highly touted, and while the first three seasons were shaky, Walker found his stride this season, making his first All-Star Game and will be competing in the Home Run Derby during the break.
Walker’s contract might not happen before the season ends, and when asked this question during the Instant Reaction show, I expressed that were I to be in Walker’s camp, I would want to wait until after the season to put a signature on anything and bet on himself and the season that he is having right now. With the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement and the possibility of a lockout, the Cardinals may hold off to see the fate of a potential salary cap before giving out another long-term contract. Once that is resolved, though, it should be the perfect time to strike for the Cardinals to get Walker in on a good contract for both sides as the team continues to build back up.
St. Louis has a dynamic duo in Walker and Wetherholt, and now that one of the two is locked up long-term, it should be a matter of time before Walker gets locked in with St. Louis.