(PHOTO CREDIT: AP Photo/Scott Kane)

JJ Wetherholt hasn’t just been one of the best rookies in baseball, he’s already established himself as a future star in the making in Major League Baseball.

Clearly, less than a full season in, the St. Louis Cardinals feel the same way, as they have officially signed Wetherholt to a massive contract extension, per reports. The contract is for eight years and $112.5 million, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. The team has not confirmed the deal.

The 23-year old is thriving so far in St. Louis. His 13 homers entering Friday rank second among NL rookies, while his 91 hits rank third and his .773 OPS ranks fifth. He also leads all NL rookies with 57 runs scored.

Defensively, he’s been just as good, if not better. On defense, Wetherholt leads all MLB second basemen with 16 Outs Above Average. His 3.9 bWAR is also the highest among MLB second basemen, according to Baseball Reference. At this point in time, he’s the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year honors (-160 at FanDuel, ahead of Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds at +280). 

Wetherholt was the No. 7 overall pick out of the University of West Virginia in 2024, and coming into the season, CBS Sports had ranked him as the No. 6 overall prospect in baseball. Aside from a recent cold streak, he has been red-hot all season long heading into the All-Star break.

The Cardinals, despite their recent struggles against the Brewers, have exceeded expectations so far this season. And thanks to Wetherholt, All-Star Jordan Walker, Alec Burleson, Ivan Herrera, and All-Star closer Riley O’Brien, the Cardinals have found new offensive life after years of struggles.

And now, they have locked up one of the new faces of a franchise ready to turn their fortunes around.