Cardinals sign Leake to 5-year deal worth reported $80M
The St. Louis Cardinals addressed their need for a starting pitcher this offseason, agreeing to a five-year deal with right-hander Mike Leake.
The deal is reportedly worth $80 million and includes a full no-trade clause. There's also a mutual option for a sixth year that could increase the total value to $94 million.
"We are pleased to announce the addition of Mike Leake to our starting rotation," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said in a news release Tuesday. "Mike is considered to be one of the game's most consistent performers and he is certainly no stranger to the National League and the NL Central. His proven experience and all-around ability should be a real plus for us."
Leake will act as a replacement for veteran righty John Lackey - who signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Cubs - in the Cardinals' starting rotation.
PROJECTED 2016 ROTATION - CAREER STATS
| PLAYER | ERA | WHIP | SO9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Wainwright | 2.98 | 1.15 | 7.6 |
| Carlos Martinez | 3.51 | 1.33 | 8.8 |
| Michael Wacha | 3.21 | 1.18 | 8 |
| Jaime Garcia | 3.31 | 1.26 | 7.1 |
| Mike Leake | 3.88 | 1.27 | 6.1 |
Leake went 11-10 with a 3.70 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 30 starts for the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants last season. He's proven to be incredibly durable throughout his six-year career, throwing at least 192 innings in three straight seasons.
The 28-year-old will also help the team at the plate. He owns a career .212/.235/.310 batting line and has hit two home runs in each the past two seasons.
The sinkerballer also drew interest from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals this fall.