The St. Louis Cardinals have signed super-utility man (and likely this year’s starting third baseman) Matt Carpenter to a six-year extension worth $52 million. The 28-year-old Carpenter had four years of arbitration eligibility left, and this deal buys out those years, as well as two years of free agency. It also includes an option for a seventh year.
Carpenter breakdown with #STLCards: $1.5M signing bonus, $1M, $3.5M, $6.25M, $9.75M, $13.5M, $14.5M, $18.5M club option or $2M buyout.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 8, 2014
Carpenter said Saturday that the decision to sign a long-term deal with St. Louis was a “no-brainer.”
Carpenter did not get his first chance at a starting job until his age-27 season last year, when he was played at second base and hit leadoff for most of the year. He he took full advantage of the opportunity hitting .318/.392/.481 with 11 home runs and 78 RBIs. Carpenter led the National League in hits (199), doubles (55), and runs scored (126) and was an All-Star and MVP candidate.
Carpenter has played parts of three seasons with the Cardinals, batting .306/.381/.470 with 17 homers and 124 RBIs in 278 career games.
With Carpenter’s versatility, he is a key piece of the Cardinals’ core. He will move to third base this season following the trade of David Freese to the Los Angeles Angels. His defence should be even better at third, where he was often moved last season as a late-inning defensive replacement for Freese. Kolten Wong should take over at second base, further improving the Cardinals defense.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @lastwordBkerr. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Baseball writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
