Matt Carpenter, Cardinals agree to six-year extension

Cassandra Negley

Matt Carpenter, Cardinals agree to six-year extension image

The St. Louis Cardinals signed Matt Carpenter to a six-year contract extension for $52 million. 

It's a back loaded deal, according to Fox Sports , breaking down to $1 million, $3.5 million, $6.25 million, $9.75 million, $13.5 million and then $14.5 million in the sixth year with a $18.5 million club option or $2 million buyout and a $1.5 million signing bonus.

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Neither nor the team nor Carpenter has confirmed the report. A news conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET Saturday from the Cardinals spring training facilities in Jupiter, Fla. 

Update: 

The Cardials made it official at the press conference, announcing a major extension for the third straight season. 

The St. Louis Dispatch reported earlier in the week the Cardinals were close to a finalizing an extension with Carpenter, who at 28 is making a switch from second base over to third. The Cards plan to use rookie Kolten Wong at second base.

Carpenter hit .318 last season with 11 home runs, 78 RBIs and a league-high 126 runs scored. He was named to the All-Star game and finished fourth in NL MVP voting.

  

Cassandra Negley