Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt receives lengthy $135 million contract projection

Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt receives lengthy $135 million contract projection originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The St. Louis Cardinals entered the 2026 MLB season with the intention of the season being a rebuilding year. But things have gone a bit differently than planned.

Even though they're tied for last in the NL Central, the team is 14-13, in the middle of a Wild Card race, and has plenty of players in the middle of breakouts. While Jordan Walker's ascension might be the headliner, another youngster is playing great, too.

Rookie JJ Wetherholt is off to a hot start this year, and amid such a strong beginning to his big-league career, Jim Bowden of The Athletic is projecting that Wetherholt could sign a $135 million extension in the near future to stay in St. Louis for a long time.

Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt receives $135M contract projection

"Approximate market value: eight years, $135 million," Bowden writes. "Wetherholt was my preseason pick for NL Rookie of the Year because I love his ability to reach base, along with his above-average power and speed."

The Cardinals have been a pleasant surprise so far this season, and the production of Wetherholt is a huge reason why 2026 has been so exciting.

He's a great defender at both middle infield spots and has been very productive at the plate and on the basepaths.

Through 27 games this season, Wetherholt has 24 hits, 21 runs scored, two doubles, five home runs, 13 RBIs, four stolen bases, 15 walks, a .238 batting average, and a .769 OPS.

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