Goldschmidt gets $130M, 5-year deal

The St. Louis Cardinals knew that Paul Goldschmidt had one year left on his contract when they acquired the slugging first baseman in an offseason trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

They also made no secret of their desire to sign him to a long-term deal.

Now, the Cardinals and the 31-year-old Goldschmidt are nearing completion of a $130 million, five-year agreement through the 2024 season that would make him the highest paid player in club history, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press on Friday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because Goldschmidt still must pass a physical, which is mostly a formality.

Jimenez, White Sox finalize $43M, 6-year contract.

GLENDALE, ARIZ.» Highly regarded outfield prospect Eloy Jimenez and the Chicago White Sox have finalized a $43 million, six-year contract, a deal nearly double the amount of the previous high for a player under club control yet to make his major league debut.

The agreement announced Friday includes team options for 2025 and 2026 that if exercised would raise the total to $75 million over eight years.

Philadelphia had set the old mark last spring when it gave Scott Kingery a $24 million, six-year contract.

Jimenez was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte March 13. If the 22-year-old is kept in the minor leagues for the first 20 days of the season, it would push back his free agent eligibility by one year until after the 2025 season.