The St. Louis Cardinals signed manager Oliver Marmol to a two-year contract extension through the 2026 season.

His original three-year deal was set to expire at the end of the 2024 campaign.

“It’s important,” Marmol said during a press conference Friday at the club’s spring training complex in Jupiter, Fla.

“I never wanted it to be a distraction. And there’s a lot to be excited about when I think of the core group of veterans that we have in that clubhouse right now, and then the young group — the next wave that’s coming — it’s a really good mix. So, to be in this seat, and to be able to mold that for the next several years, it’s exciting.”

Marmol, the youngest skipper in the majors at 37, compiled a 164-160 record in his first two seasons.

After going 93-69, winning the National League Central and losing a wild-card series against Philadelphia in 2022, the Cardinals slumped to 71-91 last season — their fewest wins in a 162-game season since 1990 (70-92).

Marmol was a coach with the Cardinals from 2017-21 under previous managers Mike Shildt and Mike Matheny.

–Field Level Media