The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have agreed to terms with outfielder Stephen Piscotty on a six-year contract (2017-2022) that includes a club option for the 2023 season. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“Having Stephen Piscotty join a number of our current players who are also under contract into the foreseeable future allows us to continue to maintain the level of consistency that has been so important to our organization’s success,” stated Cardinals’ Chairman Bill Dewitt, Jr.
With today’s signing, Piscotty joins eight of his current teammates who are also under contract thru at least the 2020 season – Matt Carpenter, Brett Cecil, Dexter Fowler, Jedd Gyorko, Mike Leake, Carlos Martinez, Yadier Molina and Kolten Wong.
“Stephen is a steady player, who we feel embodies the consistent, hard-working style that will be a constant in our lineup for many years to come,” said Cardinals’ Senior Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “He is always looking to grow and develop his game and has already exhibited the strong traits of a leader.”
Piscotty, 26, was drafted by the Cardinals in the supplemental first round (36th player overall) of the 2012 First Year Player Draft out of Stanford University. Since making his Major League debut in July of 2015, Piscotty has compiled a .282 batting mark with 29 home runs and 124 RBI in 217 games.
Piscotty led the team in games played (153), runs scored (86), RBI (85) and game-winning RBI (10) last season while swatting 22 HR’s to go along with his .273 batting mark. For his efforts, Piscotty was selected as the Cardinals nominee for the prestigious Hank Aaron Award that is given annually to the top hitter in each league. Piscotty was also chosen as the Cardinals representative for the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association’s (MLBPAA) “Heart and Hustle” Award in 2016.
Piscotty has been especially tough in the clutch, batting .357 with two outs and runners in scoring position during his career, ranking 3rd in the majors over the past two (2015-16) seasons. Piscotty ranked 2nd in the N.L. last season with a .363 batting mark with runners in scoring position and he led the team with 37 two-out RBI (6th in the N.L.).
Of his 29 career home runs, 10 have either tied the game or given the Cardinals the lead.
Piscotty hit three home runs during the 2015 Division Series, the most ever by a Cardinals rookie in a Division Series, as were his six RBI in a Division Series.
