The St. Louis Cardinals invested in Allen Craig for the future, signing the first baseman-outfielder to a five-year contract with a club option for 2018, the team announced Friday.
“We are pleased to have reached agreement with Allen on a new multiyear deal,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said, according to MLB.com. “He has been a productive middle-of-the-lineup hitter throughout his professional career and we look forward to Allen’s continued contributions.”
Craig batted .307 with 22 home runs and 92 RBI last season in 119 games after returning from off-season knee surgery. His .400 batting average with runners in scoring position led the major leagues last year, his first season as a full-time starter.
In the past two seasons, Craig, 28, has proved to be one of the majors’ most productive hitters, batting .309 with 33 home runs and 50 doubles. His career batting average is .300 in 238 games.
In 2011, Craig delivered three game-winning RBI during the World Series, tying a record held by Kiki Cuyler (1925) and Hank Greenberg (1945).