In a move that surprised many in the baseball world, Nolan Arenado opted into the remaining five years and $144 million of his contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Arenado had a player option for 2023 worth $15 million, but he decided to stay in St. Louis long-term.
Arenado is one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball. He has won nine Gold Glove Awards, including each of the past eight seasons. He is also a solid hitter, with a career batting average of .293 and an OPS of .881. In 2022, Arenado hit 30 home runs and drove in 103 runs.
Arenado's presence in the Cardinals' lineup gives them a legitimate chance to compete for a World Series title. He is a key part of a team that also includes Paul Goldschmidt, Tommy Edman, and Miles Mikolas.
The Cardinals are now committed to paying Arenado $144 million over the next five years. This is a significant financial commitment for a player who will be 38 years old at the end of the contract.
However, the Cardinals believe that Arenado is worth the investment. He is a proven winner and one of the best players in the game. The Cardinals are hoping that he can help them win their first World Series title since 2011.
If Arenado can continue to play at a high level for the next five years, he will cement his legacy as one of the best third basemen of all time. He has already won nine Gold Glove Awards, and he is on pace to reach 3,000 hits and 500 home runs.
Arenado's decision to opt into his contract with the Cardinals shows that he is committed to winning. He wants to be a part of a team that can compete for a World Series title, and he believes that the Cardinals are that team.
Nolan Arenado's decision to opt into his contract with the Cardinals is a significant development for the team. Arenado is one of the best players in the game, and his presence gives the Cardinals a legitimate chance to compete for a World Series title.
The Cardinals are now committed to paying Arenado $144 million over the next five years. This is a significant financial commitment, but the Cardinals believe that Arenado is worth the investment. If he can continue to play at a high level, he will cement his legacy as one of the best third basemen of all time.