Just a few weeks into their offseason, star third baseman Nolan Arenado informed the St. Louis Cardinals that he would be opting in for 2023 and beyond.
The slugger’s contract expires after the 2027 season.
The team recently signed Willson Contreras to a five-year, $87.5 million contract, securing their replacement for Yadier Molina.
But given Arenado’s choice to opt in for the remaining five years of his deal, there may be something else planned in St. Louis.
On a local St. Louis radio show, MLB Network insider and avid Cardinals fan Greg Amsinger made a solid sales pitch for any player who may ever want to play in St. Louis and explained that there is a certain appeal to the city.
Just how unexpected was Arenado opting-in just before an explosive FA market?@MLBNetwork lead host Greg Amsinger joined #TheOpeningDrive to explain how Arenado’s decision is a sign for the Cardinals’ team-building plan going forward.
Full int: https://t.co/P0Zm23fOhS pic.twitter.com/QQcgQ97PMX
— 101 ESPN St. Louis (@101espn) December 16, 2022
The Appeal Of St. Louis
Amsinger went on to say that St. Louis doesn’t necessarily have to compete with the bigger-market teams in terms of payroll, given the high TV ratings and sellout crowds.
The MLB Network analyst cited the adoration that the fans have for their team as a reason why players want to join the Cardinals, and why Arenado chose not to opt out when he had the opportunity to secure a larger deal.
In that case, there could be more coming for the Cards this offseason.
The team still needs a left-handed bat and a starting pitcher, and there are plenty of avenues they could explore.
But beyond that, Amsinger’s sales pitch about the Cardinals is pretty spot on, and it could ultimately lead to other players signing with the team as the offseason rolls on.