St. Louis Cardinals fans were able to let out a collective sigh of relief on Saturday when it was learned that third baseman and slugger Nolan Arenado would not be opting out of the remaining five years of his contract with the team.
There had been some growing concern over the situation among Cardinals fans, but Arenado made it official that he will be staying in St. Louis through at least the 2027 season.
Arenado put together an MVP-caliber season, hitting .293 with 30 home runs and 103 RBI, forming a deadly middle of the order combo with Paul Goldschmidt, another MVP candidate.
3B Nolan Arenado has chosen to remain with the #STLCards through the 2027 season and not exercise his opt out clause. pic.twitter.com/5ckz6nFf5W
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) October 30, 2022
Arenado Opts In
This is good news for the Cardinals and their fans.
There already appears to be a need for a bat or two, but having Arenado opt in takes one thing off their list of concerns heading into the offseason, meaning that the best corner infield duo in all of baseball will remain together through at least 2024.
Arenado was acquired from the Colorado Rockies following the 2020 season in exchange for several prospects.
He had an opt-out clause after the 2021 season that he chose not to exercise, which kept him under contract for at least 2022.
There are no remaining opt-out clauses in Arenado’s contract.
Arenado has consistently expressed a desire to remain in St. Louis long-term, and this will ensure that he remains a Cardinal through the 2027 season.
Cardinals fans can breath easy now.
Arenado is staying in St. Louis for the time being and plans on being a Cardinal for a long time.
NEXT: The Cardinals Celebrate A Pair Of Birthdays Friday