Cardinals announce extension for Mozeliak; Team picks up Matheny's 2014 option

JUPITER, Fla. – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that Senior Vice President and General Manager John Mozeliak has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the team through 2016.  The Cardinals also announced that they have exercised the 2014 option for Manager Mike Matheny.

"I am pleased that we will be keeping our baseball leadership in the front office and on the field together for at least the next two years," said Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr.  "Mo has done an excellent job over the past five years and I have enjoyed working closely with him.  We share the same vision for the Cardinals; continued excellence at the Major League level, while insuring future success with a strong player procurement and development program."

"We are also excited to extend Mike's tenure for at least the next two years," added DeWitt.  "He did a remarkable job as a first-year Manager, coming within one win of making the World Series."

Mozeliak, 44, has served as the team's General Manager for the past five seasons (2008-2012) and the Cardinals have advanced to the postseason in three of those seasons, winning a World Championship in 2011 and coming within one win of advancing to last year's Fall Classic during Matheny's first season as manager.

Mozeliak was named to his current position on October 31, 2007, and has been a key architect of Cardinals teams that have reached the postseason nine times since 2000, winning two World Championships (2006, 2011) and three National League pennants (2004, 2006 & 2011).  "Mo" was named Executive of the Year in 2011 by MLB.com and in 2012 by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

The Cardinals were tabbed by Baseball America as their "Organization of the Year" recipient in 2011 and the ball club was recently recognized in 2013 by MLB.com, ESPN.com and Baseball America for their success in scouting and player development.

During his five-year tenure as G.M., Mo has made several impact deals to acquire players such as All-Stars Matt Holliday, David Freese, Carlos Beltran, Lance Berkman and Rafael Furcal.  In addition to signing Holliday to the largest contract in franchise history, Mozeliak signed All-Star catcher Yadier Molina to a long-term deal last spring.

Mozeliak, an 18-year veteran of the Cardinals front office, began his baseball career in 1993 and has been a member of the Cardinals organization since 1995.  "Mo" is the 12th general manager in club history. 

"I'm grateful to work with Bill DeWitt and his ownership group and I know it is a privilege working for such an historic franchise as the Cardinals," said Mozeliak.  Speaking about Matheny, Mozeliak added, "Mike had a tremendous year and we believe in his leadership and look forward to continued continuity on the field."

Matheny, who last year, at age 41, was the youngest manager in the majors, piloted the Cardinals to the National League Championship Series while also becoming the first rookie manager to lead the Redbirds to the postseason since Eddie Dyer did so in 1946.