In a stunning turn of events, Nolan Arenado, the St. Louis Cardinals’ star third baseman, has opted out of his contract and signed a new deal with the New York Yankees. The move has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, as Arenado was previously under contract with the Cardinals through 2027.
Background
Arenado, 33, had been a pivotal figure for the Cardinals since his trade from the Colorado Rockies in 2021. Over his tenure with St. Louis, he earned multiple Gold Glove awards and consistently delivered strong offensive performances. However, following the 2024 season, which saw the Cardinals finishing 83-79 and missing the playoffs, trade rumors began circulating regarding Arenado’s future with the team. Reuters
Despite his no-trade clause, which allowed him to block potential moves, Arenado was reportedly open to a trade if it aligned with his career goals. The Houston Astros were among the teams interested in acquiring him, but the deal fell through when Arenado exercised his no-trade clause. New York Post+1Reuters+1Diario AS
The New Deal
In a surprising development, Arenado has now opted out of his contract with the Cardinals, which was set to pay him $32 million in 2025, $27 million in 2026, and $15 million in 2027. He has signed a new contract with the New York Yankees, reportedly worth $902 million over 14 years. This historic extension makes Arenado one of the highest-paid athletes in the world and signifies the Yankees’ commitment to building a championship-caliber team around him. ReutersSport Today
Reactions
The baseball world has reacted with astonishment to the news. Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, expressed disappointment over the loss of Arenado but wished him well in his future endeavors. Meanwhile, Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman hailed the acquisition as a “game-changer” for the franchise.Reuters+3New York Post+3overthemonster.com+3