Report: Arenado Not Opting Out, To Remain Cardinal 5 More Seasons
There's no official confirmation, but it appears that Nolan Arenado will not opt out after the 2022 season and will remain a St. Louis Cardinal for the 5 seasons remaining on his contract.
The report comes from Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Bob's report was shared by Redbird Rants. They quote Bob saying the following:
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado is not opting out of his $144 million over the next five years. He loves St. Louis, and the city loves him.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported yesterday that Nolan decided not to participate in the All-Star Game due to tightness in his back that he's been dealing with after sliding into the dugout fencing trying to catch a foul ball versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Nolan is in the middle of the 8-year $260 million dollar contract he signed with the Rockies. He was given an extra opt-out year when he accepted his trade to the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 2021 season. If the Bob Nightengale USA Today report is accurate, Nolan will refuse to exercise is final opt-out opportunity after this season is over.
It appears St. Louis Cardinal fans have another half-decade to enjoy what many believe is the best defensive third basemen currently in the game and possibly of all-time.
Again, there is no official confirmation from Nolan Arenado, his agent or the St. Louis Cardinals at this time.