The Cardinals centre fielder, acquired in March from the Anaheim Angels, agreed Friday to a $57-million, six-year contract extension. The deal runs through 2006 and includes a $10-million club option for 2007.
"We could not be more pleased than we are today," said Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty. "Jim is certainly one of the game's top players and to know he will be a major part of both this team and the community for many years to come is a real tribute to Cardinals fans."
Edmonds, 29, was leading the major leagues in several offensive categories, including batting (406), slugging percentage (.972) and on-base percentage (.532). He has a .295 career average.
Edmonds is making $4.5 million this season and would have been eligible for free agency after the World Series. The deal calls for salaries of $6 million next year, $7 million in 2002, $8 million in 2003, $9 million in 2004, $10 million in 2005 and $12 million in 2006. If the Cardinals don't exercise their option, they must pay a $3 million buyout.
As part of the deal, Edmonds will make a $1-million contribution to Cardinals Care, the St. Louis Cardinals' charity that benefits area youth organizations. He also gets the power to submit a list each year of 23 teams he can't be traded to without his consent.
