St. Louis Cardinals, Matt Carpenter agree to 6-year deal

Matt Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a 6-year contract extension, the Cardinals announced today.
Mar 8, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter (13) addresses the media during a press conference announcing his contract extension at Roger Dean Stadium. Image Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
While the team did not disclose the financial terms, it is estimated to be in low $50 million range. It keeps Carpenter with the Cardinals through 2019 but the Cardinals have allowed for a team option for the 2020 season.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that insures Matt will remain a Cardinal on a long-term basis,” Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt, Jr. said in a statement. “He is an All-Star caliber player, and an integral part of the nucleus of this club which we feel can continue to contend for championships in 2014 and beyond.”

Last season, Carpenter hit .318 (5th, NL), and led the major leagues in runs, hits, doubles, and multi-hit games. His 55 doubles set a new Cardinals record for a second baseman and broke the left-handed hitting mark set by Stan Musial during the 1953 season. Batting lead-off for most of the 2013 season, Carpenter hit his way into the All-Star Game.

“Matt has inserted himself as a leader in the Cardinals clubhouse with his dedication and work ethic serving as a fine example to everyone,” Cardinals Senior Vice President/ General Manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. “His commitment to switching to a new position last season (second base), resulting in an All-Star season and Silver Slugger Award, proved once again what kind of person and player that Matt is.”

Carpenter also owns the Busch Stadium III record for single-season hits with 112 at home. In addition, Carpenter had the highest runs batted in (69) from the lead-off spot since Lou Brock drove in 76 during the 1967 season. He also hit .388 with runners in scoring position.

Carpenter joins Allen Craig, Adam Wainwright, and Yadier Molina in signing contract extensions that keep them on the Cardinals through the 2017 season or later. Outfielder Matt Holliday is also apart of the Cardinals Core Four, which will now extend to five with Carpenter’s extension.