Cardinals decline Gold Glove finalist Wong's $12.5M option
St. Louis Cardinals president John Mozeliak announced the club declined second baseman Kolten Wong's $12.5-million option for the 2021 season, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Wong will receive a $1-million buyout.
Primarily known for his electric glovework, the 30-year-old is a Gold Glove finalist at the keystone after taking home the award for the first time in 2019.
Still, Wong has put together solid offensive lines throughout his eight-year career after the Cardinals drafted him 22nd overall in 2011. Since debuting in 2013, Wong has hit .261/.333/.384 with 53 home runs, 281 RBIs, and 88 stolen bases while accruing 15.3 fWAR in 852 games.
While Wong will hit free agency for the first time, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be wearing a different uniform next season. Mozeliak said Wong and the Cardinals have agreed to "keep the door open" for a new contract, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com.
The Hawaii native thanked Cardinals fans on Instagram shortly after the decision was announced.