Nolan Arenado Makes Huge Decision On His Future

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado had a big decision to make this fall on the remainder of his long-term contract. He could opt-out and head back into free agency coming off another All-Star season, or opt-in and stay for the remaining five years of his deal. For him, the choice was clear.

Nolan Arenado has opted in to the rest of his contract with the Cardinals, per @katiejwoo

The contract is worth $144 million over the next five seasons pic.twitter.com/enme7ie9nb

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 29, 2022

Arenado simply loves it in St. Louis, and he isn't going anywhere. He's informed the organization that he will remain with the Cardinals through the rest of his contract, five years and $144M. 

I love the organization, I love my teammates, coaches and trainers. Excited for the future.

The Cards acquired the 7-time All-Star, 9-time Gold Glover in a trade with the Colorado Rockies before the 2021 season. In his two years in St. Louis, he's posted a .273 average, and an .848 OPS, while averaging 32 HR and 104 RBIs per season. 

The 31-year-old is a finalist for his 10th consecutive Gold Glove. He will also get plenty of support in MVP balloting. 

So while two Cardinals legends ride off into the sunset (Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina), the team is in good hands with Arenado and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt for at least the next couple of seasons (Goldy becomes a free agent after 2024). 

They'll now focus their attention this offseason on securing a new starting catcher and adding another solid bat to the lineup. 

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports