Kolten Wong Signs Five-Year Extension

Just before the Cardinals' exhibition match-up vs Florida Atlantic on Wednesday, the team and second baseman Kolten Wong agreed to a five-year, $25.5MM extension that will keep the Hawaii native in St. Louis until 2020. The deal includes a $12.5MM option for the 2021 season, but doesn't include any no-trade protection.

Kolten, 25, enjoyed his first season as a full-time regular in 2015 and had an excellent first half. He tired down the stretch (as did shortstop Jhonny Peralta), due in large part to the lack of a suitable middle infield backup. The team traded for infielder Jedd Gyorko this past offseason, so St. Louis will look for its middle infield duo to have strong seasons throughout the summer.

In all, Wong slashed .262/.321/.386 with 11 HR and 61 RBI. He was also among the team leaders with 15 stolen bases. Kolten is an excellent baserunner and has a Gold Glove in his future, so he and the Redbirds look for him to keep improving and have an even better season in 2016.

Works Cited
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/03/cardinals-to-extend-kolten-wong.html