ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - In terms of deferred money, number of players involved, opt-out and no-trade clauses, exchange of money and length of the contact – the deal to bring Nolan Arenado to St. Louis might be the most complicated in Cardinals history. We can say for sure that it's the most expensive.
Altogether, Arenado's deal has now become eight years and $260 million – but for St. Louis, it's seven years and $214 million, since he already played one year of the contract with Colorado.
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Even then, it's still the largest contact in Cardinals history. Here are the next-biggest contracts in St. Louis:
Paul Goldschmidt: Five years, $130 million
Matt Holliday: Seven years, $120 million
Albert Pujols: Seven years, $100 million
Here are a few other key facts to know:
• Arenado can opt out of the deal after the 2021 or 2022 seasons.
• Colorado is sending between $50 million - $51 million to St. Louis, reports Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch. It will be paid over the next seven years "including $15 million of the $35 million he’s owed in 2021," Goold writes.
• The Cardinals gave up quantity – not much quality – for Arenado. The package to Colorado includes Austin Gomber, 26, as the only player with MLB experience. Also included were third base prospect Elehuris Montero, infielder prospect Mateo Gil and pitchers Tony Locey and Jake Sommers.
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Many in Colorado territory will think it's the worst trade in sports history – it might be. But the Rockies appeared to have been stuck with a player owed a lot of money and not much reason to stay.
Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich said last year that he was listening to trade offers on the five-time All-Star, and Arenado said in February 2020 that “there’s a lot of disrespect around there” and “there is no relationship anymore” between him and Bridich.
Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak took advantage.
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