St Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter has signed a six-year contract extension, the Major League Baseball team announced Saturday, in a deal worth $US52 million ($A57 million).
The contract runs through the 2019 season and gives the Cardinals an option for the 2020 campaign on the 28-year-old American, who helped the Cardinals win the 2011 World Series in his rookie year.
Carpenter led Major League Baseball with 199 hits, 126 runs and 55 doubles last season and this year the All-Star makes a fielding position switch from playing at second base to guarding third.
"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that insures Matt will remain a Cardinal on a long-term basis," said Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt.
"He is an All-Star calibre player, and an integral part of the nucleus of this club which we feel can continue to contend for championships in 2014 and beyond."
Carpenter batted .318 with 11 home runs and 78 runs batted in last season.
"Matt has inserted himself as a leader in the Cardinals clubhouse with his dedication and work ethic serving as a fine example to everyone," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said.
"His commitment to switching to a new position proved once again what kind of person and player Matt is."
Over parts of three seasons with St. Louis, Carpenter has batted .306 with 78 doubles, 17 homers and 124 runs batted in.
