The Cardinals exercised their 2015 league minimum option on veteran pitcher John Lackey back in late October, meaning that Lackey is only slated to make $500K in 2015. A clause in the contract that Lackey signed with the Boston Red Sox back in 2009 included a 2015 league minimum club option that would trigger if Lackey required Tommy John Surgery earlier in the length of the contract. Lackey ended up missing the entire 2012 season after undergoing the surgery, triggering the club option for this upcoming season. The Cardinals knew about this when they acquired Lackey from Boston in the trade that sent Allen Craig and Joe Kelly to the Red Sox, and it certainly made him a more attractive and valuable piece in the deal.

It appears, though, that the team may be willing to pay the 36-year-old Lackey a more reasonable salary next year, which would likely include many performance bonuses, to keep him motivated. Jenifer Langosch of Cardinals.com reported Wednesday afternoon that General Manager John Mozeliak is expected to meet with Lackey’s agent, and that the two sides might re-work Lackey’s contract.

Lackey has made more than $108 million over his 12 years in the majors. He earned $15.25 million last year when he posted a 3.82 ERA between the Red Sox and Cardinals.

 

Feature image used under Creative Commons from Keith Allison. No changes made. Creative Commons License.