3 contracts Manny Machado is making look great after opt-out decision

Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals

The Colorado Rockies signed Nolan Arenado to an eight-year, $260 million contract extension. Almost a year later, they sent Arenado to the Cardinals in a blockbuster trade — and sent $52 million to St. Louis to take Arenado.

It remains one of, if not the most baffling trade in baseball history.

Arenado wanted to be in St. Louis, but opt-outs following the 2021 and 2022 seasons loomed large. While it was widely expected that he would opt-in after 2021, the same couldn’t be said about 2022. He had five years, $144 million left on his contract and, if he was a free agent, would make significantly more than that, whether in St. Louis or elsewhere.

Ultimately, Arenado decided he wanted to be in St. Louis long-term and be the face of a Cardinals franchise that is annually in playoff contention. But his contract, which is less than $30 million per season, is an absolute steal for the organization considering the caliber of player that Arenado has been throughout his career.