Spring Headlines: Cardinals give Kolten Wong a five-year extension
The St. Louis Cardinals locked up second baseman Kolten Wong with a five-year extension worth $25.5 million, the team announced on Wednesday. The new deal, which goes into effect immediately, will cover all three of Wong’s arbitration seasons and at least his first year of free agency. The contract includes an option for 2021 worth $12.5 million with a $1 million buyout.
The Cardinals almost always get these types of deals right, so it’s always interesting to see how they value a player under their control internally. Wong, who only turned 25 in October, has yet to have a true breakout season for St. Louis. He was a major contributor during their 2014 postseason run though, and there’s reason to believe better, or at least more consistent, days lie ahead.
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So far, Wong owns a .250/.303/.374 batting line over his first 295 games in the majors, so they’re definitely betting on those numbers rising. If they rise substantially, he’ll be quite a value, because his overall value isn’t just tied to his bat. He possesses a strong overall skill set, especially defensively, and St. Louis hopes it can capitalize on that during his prime years.
For now anyway, Wong figures to be in a platoon with right-handed hitting Jedd Gyorko. The Cardinals acquired Gyorko from the San Diego Padres with the plan to start him against left-handed pitchers. He’s also under team control through 2020, so this could also be a long-term platoon based on if and when Wong comes around.
OTHER SPRING HEADLINES
Ailing: Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson suffered a strained right oblique in Wednesday’s Cactus League opener. [@rustindodd]
Over/Unders: A look at which teams we feel will exceed or fall short of expectations. [The Stew]
Let’s talk: The Blue Jays and Edwin Encarnacion have held preliminary contract extension talks. [Sportsnet]
He’s back: University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh was back coaching first base, this time for the Tigers. [Dr. Saturday]
Say what: Curt Schilling offered some controversial opinions on presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. [The Stew]
Changes: The Phillies will go back to playing on a Kentucky bluegrass infield after previously using Bermuda grass. [CSN Philly]
Testing: Dodgers left-hander Brett Anderson was sent for tests on his back after feeling some stiffness on Wednesday. [@McCulloughTimes]
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
