**Nolan Arenado Agrees to Record $700 Million, 10-Year Contract Extension with St. Louis Cardinals**
In a stunning move that will reshape the future of the St. Louis Cardinals, star third baseman Nolan Arenado has agreed to a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract extension. The deal, which is set to make Arenado the highest-paid player in Major League Baseball history, was confirmed by sources close to the situation on Wednesday evening.
Arenado, who has been with the Cardinals since 2021, was set to enter the final year of his current contract in 2024, but this new agreement will keep him in St. Louis through the 2033 season, locking up the perennial Gold Glove winner and five-time All-Star for the long term. The deal includes an unprecedented $700 million total value, surpassing the previous MLB record set by Mike Trout’s $426 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels in 2019.
**A Landmark Deal in MLB History**
The contract, which includes a combination of salary, performance bonuses, and deferred payments, is a testament to Arenado’s elite status in the league and the Cardinals’ commitment to keeping him in St. Louis for the foreseeable future. Sources report that the contract also includes no-trade and no-opt-out clauses, ensuring that Arenado will remain a fixture for the Cardinals as they continue to contend for championships in the coming decade.
Arenado, 33, has been one of the most consistent and dominant players in baseball since his debut with the Colorado Rockies in 2013. He was traded to the Cardinals in a blockbuster deal before the 2021 season, and in his time in St. Louis, Arenado has lived up to the hype. Over the past three seasons, he has earned multiple Gold Gloves, slashed .290/.356/.540, and provided the Cardinals with a reliable bat and stellar defense.
**Arenado’s Impact on the Cardinals**
Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak expressed his excitement over the deal, emphasizing how crucial Arenado has been to the team’s success since his arrival. “Nolan is not only one of the most talented players in baseball, but he embodies the spirit of our franchise. We are thrilled that he will continue to be the cornerstone of our infield and a leader in our clubhouse for the next decade.”
Arenado himself shared his enthusiasm for staying in St. Louis, noting that the city and its passionate fan base have made him feel at home since day one. “This is where I want to be,” Arenado said in a statement. “The Cardinals have everything I want in an organization—tradition, excellence, and a championship-caliber team. I’m excited to be a part of this for the long haul.”
The contract extension represents a significant investment by the Cardinals, who are determined to build a perennial contender around Arenado and other key players like Paul Goldschmidt and emerging stars in their farm system. With Arenado’s long-term commitment, St. Louis now has one of the most formidable corner infields in baseball, both offensively and defensively.
**Looking Ahead**
With the ink on this historic deal barely dry, the focus will now shift to how the Cardinals continue to build around Arenado and their championship aspirations. The team will likely aim to bolster their pitching staff and continue their pursuit of another World Series title, with Arenado as the anchor for the next era of Cardinals baseball.
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