Matt Carpenter signs 6-year, $52M deal with Cards

Matt Carpenter has signed a contract extension with the St. Louis Cardinals that is reportedly worth $52 million over six years.

According to CBS Sports, the contract also includes an option for 2020.

"This was a no-brainer for me," the 28-year-old said during a news conference from the Cardinals' spring training facility on Saturday.

It’s no secret that both Carpenter and the Cards wanted to get a long-term deal in place, it was just a matter of when it was going to happen.

The leadoff hitter had quite a season last year when he batted .318 and led the NL in runs. He also finished fourth in the MVP voting, earned an All-Star spot and won the Silver Slugger Award at second base.

The team also realizes that he will be a key hitter in the lineup especially after the departure of Carlos Beltran.

ESPN notes that this year Carpenter will shift from playing second base to third base to make room for rookie Kolten Wong as the Cards’ primary second baseman.