The Cardinals have reached a six-year agreement with blossoming third baseman Matt Carpenter, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has reported. The deal is worth $52 million with a team option for 2020.
The contract covers all three seasons in which Carpenter would be arbitration eligible and potentially three years of free agency.
The 28-year-old Carpenter blossomed in 2013, finishing fourth in the National League Most Valuable Player voting after leading the league in runs, doubles and hits. He was also among the premier clutch hitters in the game and has proven himself as an infielder and outfielder. His move to third base this season is expected to be permanent.
Carpenter left the team during the game Wednesday for a physical. That is standard practice before teams and players agree to a long-term deal.