The Cardinals have interest in an extension with JJ Wetherholt, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. There’s no indication talks have gotten far, though it’s understandable that St. Louis would like to keep the rookie beyond his six-year window of club control.
Wetherholt was the seventh overall pick in the 2024 draft. The University of West Virginia product mashed throughout his first full minor league season, batting .306/.421/.510 between the top two levels. He’s a consensus top prospect whom the Cardinals carried on the Opening Day roster and have immediately plugged in as their leadoff hitter. Wetherholt can play shortstop but is ticketed for second base work in St. Louis thanks to Masyn Winn.
The 23-year-old has had a nice first week in the big leagues, collecting six hits (including a homer) with two walks and three strikeouts through 23 plate appearances. A five-game sample isn’t going to have much bearing on extension talks. The Cardinals’ interest in a long-term deal is rooted more in his college and minor league excellence. By and large, there’s a strong track record for elite position player prospects who have performed as well as Wetherholt has at every stop.
Colt Emerson set a new record for the largest pre-debut extension in MLB history this morning. The Mariners shortstop/third base prospect signed an eight-year, $95MM guarantee with a club option for a ninth season. It’s not a perfect parallel to Wetherholt, who is already at the MLB level. That said, Wetherholt’s camp at Covenant Sports Group is surely aware of the Emerson deal establishing a new standard for an early-career contract. The two are in a similar prospect tier. As a college draftee, Wetherholt is a couple years older.
Emerson’s deal handily beat the $60MM extension that Kristian Campbell signed during his first week in the majors last April. Roman Anthony signed for $130MM last August when he had a little under 200 big league plate appearances. The Cardinals are probably reluctant to go that far a week into Wetherholt’s career, but his camp may already look for nine figures.
The Prospect Promotion Incentive is among the reasons Wetherholt broke camp. St. Louis would receive a bonus draft choice after the first round if he wins Rookie of the Year or finishes top three in MVP voting within his first three seasons. The PPI does not apply to players who sign extensions before their debut (e.g. Emerson) but would remain in place if the Cards get a long-term deal done with Wetherholt now that he has MLB time under his belt.
8 years 210M take it or leave it Cards
Am I the only one that saw JG Wentworth in the title?
It’s my money and I need it deferred!
877-CASH-NOW!!!!!!
When he runs out of money he’ll have to find a payphone and call 10-10-321
Wait till about 2 years from free agency, if Wetherholt is elite leading up till then he gets paid more and Cards pay market value for an elite player so both parties benefit. Locking him up now can backfire benefiting 1 party and not the other. Pay on results not hype.The Cardinals middle infield though looks pretty good.
9 yrs, $120m — Let’s do this.
I understand these teams are trying to lock guys in now so it doesn’t cost them 400 mill down the road but pump the brakes……it’s been a week. The kid has tremendous potential but easy does it! Look at the Mariners…..just gave a huge deal to a kid who hasn’t even debuted yet
It’s also the uncertainty of the next CBA. Deals done under this CBA will have to be grandfathered into the next one.
Yes I get that. But at the end of the day it’s a huge gamble on a guy with a week in the league.
It’s early, but I see/has been touted through the minors:
Great hitting approach — sees all pitches with no holes, has a great, consistent, powerful line-drive swing, hits to all fields, moves to a two-strike approach when needed, looks completely comfortable in the box, and has EASY power.
Fielding: is at least + at second, has a + arm, and can play any infield position well.
Coachable leadership: all his managers/instructors tout his coachability and ability to quickly absorb adjustments.
This guy isn’t just talented, his legit baseball IQ and skill set is already a finish product…with more to come, so I say sign him right now. I haven’t said that since seeing Albert in 2000.
Of course you have interest! Any team would want to extend a prospect like Wetherholt.
The range here has to be about 7 yrs./$85 million; 7 yrs./$85 million + a team option year at $25 million; 8 yrs./$110 million; etc.
This deal is a good start, but I would add incentives like a $8 million signing bonus, and if he earns any awards. I would say a deal similar to what Colt Emerson got from Seattle.
It should be top 3 in ROY
Get more teams to promote
*West Virginia University
He looks like the real deal, go get him locked up Chaim!
Better lock up Burleson first. He’s proven himself!!! Then if they want to lock up J. J. The can.