JJ Wetherholt agrees 8-year deal with Cardinals worth $112.5 million

St. Louis Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt has agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth $112.5 million, securing one of the biggest guaranteed deals in franchise history.

According to ESPN, citing sources the agreement keeps the 23-year-old infielder with the Cardinals through the 2034 season.

The contract reportedly begins in 2027 and includes performance bonuses that could increase its value to $132 million.

Wetherholt, the Cardinals' first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, made the Opening Day roster this season after progressing rapidly through the club's minor league system.

He has since emerged as one of baseball's standout performers and is considered the National League Rookie of the Year favourite.

The report said the Cardinals and Wetherholt previously discussed a long-term extension during spring training but were unable to reach an agreement at the time.

The deal signals St. Louis' willingness to invest in its young core after reducing payroll in recent seasons.

ESPN reported the club hopes Wetherholt can become its next homegrown star following the success of franchise legends Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina.