Cardinals extend Jake Westbrook's contract through 2013

The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that they've agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million contract extension with starting pitcher Jake Westbrook. The deal also includes a mutual option for the 2014 season.

Westbrook will remain in St. Louis through next season. (Getty Images)

The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that they've agreed to a one-year contract extension with starting pitcher Jake Westbrook. The deal also includes a mutual option for the 2014 season.

“Jake continues to be a steady and sturdy part of our pitching staff and we are pleased to announce his extension,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. “His veteran presence is important to the makeup of our team. Jake has demonstrated his leadership with his commitment and hard work, resulting in both a terrific 2012 season and career.”

Westbrook, 34, is 12-9 with a 3.50 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 95 strikeouts in 154 1/3 innings this season. He was acquired by the Cardinals in a three-team, trade-deadline deal in 2010 that sent Ryan Ludwick to San Diego.

For more baseball news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnBaseball on Twitter, subscribe to the RSS feed and "like" us on Facebook.