The Cardinals' interest in extending JJ Wetherholt's contract is an intriguing development in the MLB off-season. While it may seem early to be discussing long-term deals for a rookie, the Cardinals are clearly impressed with Wetherholt's potential. Personally, I think this is a smart move, as the Cardinals have a strong track record of developing elite position players, and Wetherholt has already shown he can perform at a high level in the minor leagues. However, the question remains: is an extension worth it for the Cardinals, and what does it mean for the team's future?
One thing that immediately stands out is the Cardinals' interest in Wetherholt's leadoff hitter role. With Masyn Winn already occupying the shortstop position, the Cardinals may be looking to secure Wetherholt's services at second base. This is a strategic move, as it allows the Cardinals to build a strong core of position players around their young talent. In my opinion, this is a smart move, as it ensures the Cardinals have a solid foundation for the future.
However, the Cardinals' interest in a long-term deal is rooted more in Wetherholt's college and minor league excellence, rather than his current performance in the MLB. While Wetherholt has had a nice first week in the big leagues, a five-game sample size is not enough to make a sound decision. What many people don't realize is that the Cardinals are likely looking at Wetherholt's potential, rather than his current performance. This raises a deeper question: how do the Cardinals evaluate the potential of their young players, and what does this mean for the team's future?
The Cardinals' interest in Wetherholt's extension is also interesting in light of recent deals signed by other young players. For example, Colt Emerson signed an eight-year, $95MM guarantee with a club option for a ninth season, setting a new record for the largest pre-debut extension in MLB history. This deal handily beat the $60MM extension signed by Kristian Campbell during his first week in the majors last April. Roman Anthony signed for $130MM last August when he had a little under 200 big league plate appearances. These deals suggest that the Cardinals are willing to invest in young talent, but the question remains: is Wetherholt worth the investment?
The Cardinals' interest in Wetherholt's extension is also influenced by the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI). If Wetherholt wins Rookie of the Year or finishes top three in MVP voting within his first three seasons, the Cardinals would receive a bonus draft choice after the first round. While the PPI does not apply to players who sign extensions before their debut, it remains in place if the Cardinals get a long-term deal done with Wetherholt now that he has MLB time under his belt. This raises a question: is the PPI a factor in the Cardinals' decision to extend Wetherholt, or is it simply a bonus that could enhance the team's future?
In conclusion, the Cardinals' interest in extending JJ Wetherholt's contract is an intriguing development in the MLB off-season. While it may seem early to be discussing long-term deals for a rookie, the Cardinals are clearly impressed with Wetherholt's potential. Personally, I think this is a smart move, as the Cardinals have a strong track record of developing elite position players, and Wetherholt has already shown he can perform at a high level in the minor leagues. However, the question remains: is an extension worth it for the Cardinals, and what does it mean for the team's future? The Cardinals' decision will likely be influenced by a variety of factors, including Wetherholt's performance, the PPI, and the team's overall strategy. Only time will tell if the Cardinals' interest in Wetherholt's extension is a smart move or a costly mistake.
