Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt rewarded with massive $112.5 million extension

JJ Wetherholt is sticking around in St.Louis.The Cardinals’ star rookie is in agreement on an eight-year, $112.5 million deal, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported.The deal can reach a maximum value of $132 million.Wetherholt, the No.

7 overall pick in 2024, is having a promising rookie year for the Cardinals.The second baseman is slashing a .267/.362/.411 line with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs for a Cardinals team currently three games back of an NL wild-card spot.He has also provided an impact in the field, as he’s recorded 16 outs above average. The news was first reported by ESPN, who added that the deal would buy out several years of free agency.Wetherholt, 23, was considered an All-Star snub when the rosters for the Midsummer Classic were released last weekend.The former West Virginia star has a WAR of 3.9 – tied for 12th-best in MLB.He dominated in the minors last year as he hit a combined .306 with a .931 OPS in Double-A and Triple-A.Wetherholt is not the only MLB rookie to receive a big payday this year.Kevin McGonigle and the Tigers agreed on an eight-year, $150 million deal earlier this season.Konnor Griffin was also rewarded with a nine-year, $140 million pact in April by the Pirates.Wetherholt’s deal comes amid a red-hot July for the young player.In nine games this month, he is hitting .314 and has a .857 OPS.Wetherholt and the Cardinals will take on the Braves on Friday night....