Cardinals sign Matt Carpenter to 6-year extension
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jupiter, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The St. Louis Cardinals have signed infielder Matt Carpenter to a six-year contract extension reportedly worth $52 million.
The deal runs through 2019 and includes a club 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," said Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt, Jr. "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."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Carpenter is coming off a breakout 2013 season in which he hit .318 with 11 home runs and 78 RBI while leading the majors in hits (199), runs scored (126) and doubles (55).
An All-Star second baseman last season, Carpenter will make the switch to third base this season. Rookie Kolten Wong will be St. Louis' primary second baseman.
"Matt has inserted himself as a leader in the Cardinals clubhouse with his dedication and work ethic serving as a fine example to everyone," said Cardinals senior vice president/general manager John Mozeliak. "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."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Over parts of three seasons with the Cardinals, Carpenter has hit .306 with 78 doubles, 17 homers and 124 RBI.