Matt Carpenter, Cardinals agree to extension

The St. Louis Cardinals and infielder Matt Carpenter have agreed to a six-year, $52 million extension, according to media reports on Saturday. Ken Rosenthal originally reported on Thursday that Carpenter and the Cardinals were close to a six-year extension.

Carpenter's contract includes a $1.5 million signing bonus and an $18.5 million club option with a $2 million buyout. He is represented by Bryan Cahill of SSG Baseball. His contract is comparable to Andrew McCutchen's extension of $51.5 million two years ago.

"For a baseball junkie like myself, I can't think of a better place to play than the city of St. Louis," Carpenter said. "Busch Stadium, I still pinch myself every time I make that drive to the field. Playing in front of these fans, the city of St. Louis, Cardinal baseball as a whole, it's just so much fun. It's such a privilege to put on this jersey. It's something I don't take lightly at all."

The 28-year-old Carpenter has been an anchor in the Cardinals lineup since he came into the Major Leagues in 2012. In 2013, he led the National League in runs scored, hits, and doubles, while appearing in his first career All Star Game. He hit a triple-slash line of .318/.392/.481 with 11 home runs and 78 RBI (143 OPS+). Carpenter posted an excellent oWAR of 6.7.

Over his career, Carpenter has hit a triple-slash line of .306/.381/.470 with 17 home runs and 124 RBI. He's posted a 8.1 oWAR and a dWAR of -0.7 over his 278 games. Carpenter, who has made $984,000 over his career, will get a huge contract, something that his excellence has been deserving. Carpenter will be a force in the Cardinals lineup for years to come.

The St. Louis Cardinals have made sure they will be keeping a good piece in their lineup through at least 2019. They've done a fantastic job by locking Carpenter up, and they should be rewarded with his great hitting.

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