JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Rafael Furcal didn’t have to think too hard about re-signing with the St. Louis Cardinals, even after they declined to pick up his contract option.

Furcal, a trade deadline pickup who was one of the keys to the Cardinals’ World Series run, got a two-year, $14 million contract.

He filled voids last season at leadoff and at shortstop, where he helped to solidify the defense with one of the strongest arms at his position in the major leagues.