**Big Congratulations: Nolan Arenado Signs Historic $209 Million Extension to Remain with St. Louis Cardinals**
In a major move that will keep one of the game’s premier third basemen in St. Louis for the foreseeable future, Nolan Arenado has signed a historic contract extension worth $209 million, securing his place as a key figure in the Cardinals’ plans for years to come. The deal, which was announced late Tuesday evening, runs through the 2030 season and represents a significant commitment from both the Cardinals and Arenado, who had been the subject of trade rumors in recent months.
Arenado, 33, has been with the Cardinals since 2021, when he was acquired from the Colorado Rockies in a blockbuster trade. His impact in St. Louis has been immediate and profound, earning him multiple Gold Gloves and All-Star appearances while solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s best defensive players and a consistent force at the plate. The extension, which includes full no-trade protection, ensures that Arenado will continue to play a central role in the Cardinals’ efforts to return to postseason contention.
The $209 million extension is one of the largest in franchise history and reflects both the value Arenado brings to the team and the Cardinals’ commitment to keeping their roster competitive. The deal will pay Arenado $34.5 million per season through 2030, making him one of the highest-paid third basemen in the league.
“This is a place I’ve always wanted to be,” Arenado said in a statement following the announcement. “When I joined the Cardinals, I knew this was a special organization with a rich history, and I’ve felt at home ever since. I’m excited for what’s ahead and am looking forward to continuing to work with this great group of guys to bring a championship to St. Louis.”
The decision to extend Arenado also signals a shift in direction for the Cardinals, who had previously considered trading the veteran slugger as part of a broader rebuilding effort. However, with a return to form in 2025 looking more plausible, the Cardinals have opted to keep Arenado as the centerpiece of their infield, surrounding him with emerging talent to help push the team back into contention.
Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak expressed his excitement over the deal, calling Arenado’s leadership both on and off the field an invaluable asset to the organization.
“Nolan has been everything we could have hoped for and more since he arrived in St. Louis,” Mozeliak said. “He’s not just one of the best players in the game, but he’s also a true professional and a great teammate. Securing him for the long term was a priority for us, and we’re thrilled to have him remain a Cardinal for the next several seasons.”
The extension solidifies Arenado’s status as one of the most prominent players in MLB, and it helps ensure that the Cardinals remain competitive in the NL Central. As the season progresses, the Cardinals are expected to make additional moves to strengthen their pitching staff and outfield, but locking up Arenado is seen as a major step toward a bright future for the franchise.
With this deal now official, fans in St. Louis can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their star third baseman will remain with the team for years to come, continuing to anchor the Cardinals’ infield as they pursue championship glory.
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