Aug 25, 2020; Former Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Nolan Arenado doesn't intend to use opt-outs: 'I plan on being a Cardinal'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/17/21

Nolan Arenado has only been a Cardinal for a couple of weeks, but it appears he's keen on remaining in St. Louis for a long time.

The 29-year-old's contract includes two opt-out clauses, including one at the end of the 2021 season. However, the five-time All-Star told Jared Carrabis and Dallas Braden on the "Starting 9" podcast that he's unlikely to use those opt-outs.

"There's a very high chance I will not be opting out," Arenado said. "You know, very, very high. I didn't come here to do that. I think (the opt-outs were) part of the deal, that was part of how we made the contract and how we made it look right and put those things in there, but I plan on being a Cardinal for the rest of the way out, that's my goal."

"I plan on being a Cardinal the rest of the way out."- Nolan Arenado.https://t.co/hzwErA3XwO pic.twitter.com/yjtBp3uv7W
— Starting 9 (@Starting9) February 17, 2021

The Colorado Rockies traded Arenado to the Cardinals earlier this month. The eight-time Gold Glover signed his eight-year, $260 million deal with the Rockies before the 2019 campaign.

Arenado has been one of the best players in Major League Baseball since entering the league in 2013. In eight seasons, the native of California has slashed .293/.349/.541 with 235 home runs.

He'll replace Matt Carpenter at third base for the Cardinals and join an infield that includes Paul Goldschmidt, Paul DeJong, Tommy Edman and Yadier Molina.

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