Former WVU Baseball standout JJ Wetherholt is only a little over three months into his MLB career and the St. Louis Cardinals are already rewarding the rookie with a massive payday. Read more: Former WVU Baseball standout JJ Wetherholt signs $112.5 million extension.
Wetherholt and the Cardinals agreed to an eight-year, $112.5 million contract Friday, giving Wetherholt the largest contract in franchise history.
The Cardinals have not always been known to be big spenders, so the large amount of money shows they see a lot of value in its NL Rookie of the Year front runner.
Related: Three months in: JJ Wetherholt remains a consistent hitter for Cardinals
The deal
While the deal is inked at $112.5 million, the contract is worth up to $132 million in incentives.
The deal will give Wetherholt the highest contract ever received by a former WVU player. Jedd Gyorko previously held the record earning $41.4 million in his career.
This contract surpasses the Cardinals previous highest salary of first baseman Paul Goldschmidt who signed a five-year, $130 million deal in 2019.
Currently, the highest paid player on the Cardinals roster is pitcher Dustin May. He is under contact for one-year, $12.5 million.
Wetherholt’s contract, which will officially begin in 2027, will surpass May’s yearly total as he will make a little over $14 million a year.
The contract resembles the one that former Cardinals star Albert Pujols signed in 2004 which gave him $100 million over seven years.
Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker who emerged to an All-Star this season is also due for a payday. Time will tell if the Cardinals offer him something similar to Wetherholt.
About Wetherholt
Wetherholt currently touts a .267 batting average, 36 RBI and 13 home runs.
He currently has the best odds to win the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year. No former WVU player has ever won this award.
Wetherholt moved through the minor leagues quickly after being drafted in 2024. He made his MLB debut on opening day this season
The Cardinals selected Wetherholt in the 2024 MLB draft at 7th overall making him the highest selected Mountaineer of all time.
Wetherholt spent three seasons at WVU from 2022 to 2024. He earned awards and accolades including 2023 Big-12 Player of the Year. In addition, he picked up two All-Big 12 First Team honors and was a 2022 Big 12 All-Freshman selection.
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