Cardinals sign Kolten Wong to 5-year, $25.5 million extension

The Cardinals are in agreement on a 5-year, $25.5 million extension with second baseman Kolten Wong, according to a major-league source. The deal, which begins this season, includes a $12.5 million club option (or $1 million buyout) for a sixth season, as well as some award and team bonuses. The full breakdown is as follows:

Wong breakdown: $1.25M (2016), $2.5M (17), $4M (2018), $6.5M (2019), $10.25M (2020). In 2021, $12.5M option/$1M buyout. Guarantee = $25.5M.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 3, 2016

Wong's deal will cover one pre-arbitration season (2016), three arbitration years (2017-2019), and, if the option is exercised, two free-agent years (2020-2021). The contract extends the Cardinals' control over the 25-year old for two seasons, and he will still be able to hit free agency after his age-31 season, at the latest.

Wong has been in the majors for three seasons, posting a .250/.303/.374 line with 23 home runs in 295 games. He is the latest Cardinal to receive a long-term extension, joining Matt Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina, who have all received deals of five years or more since 2012.

Wong is the fourth significant player to receive an extension of five or more years this winter, joining Brandon Crawford (Giants), Dee Gordon (Marlins) and Salvador Perez (Royals). More long-term deals are expected to be worked out during spring training.

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch first reported the deal. Wong is represented by Page Odle and David Matranga of PSI Sports Management.