The Cardinals and outfielder Matt Holliday have come to terms on a seven year contract worth 120 million dollars, according to SI.com's Jon Heyman.
The deal includes a no-trade clause.
Holliday batted .353 with 13 home runs and 55 RBIs in 63 games with the Cardinals after being acquired in a July trade from the Oakland Athletics. He helped stabilize their batting order by providing a consistent power threat in the cleanup spot behind NL MVP Albert Pujols.
After months of negotiating, Holliday ends up back with his original club. Over the span of the offseason, Holliday has been connected to the Red Sox, Braves, Orioles, Angels, Mariners, Giants, Mets, and Yankees, among others.
The move should improve the teams chances of re-signing Albert Pujols, who will be a free agent after the 2011 season. Having the added protection, Pujols can settle in comfortably and wait for the Cardinals to come in with a expected record-breaking offer.