The New York Mets have decided to pick up their club option for 2018 on veteran infielder Asdrubal Cabrera.

Christmas came early for New York Mets infielder Asdrubal Cabrera.  According to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, the Mets are picking up their $8.5 million team option on Cabrera.

The Mets would have owed Cabrera a $2 million buyout if they hadn’t picked up his option. If Cabrera still had questions about whether he would be back in New York, he now has his answer. Back in June, he told reporters that he had requested a trade but he backed off of it a couple days later.

This year the infielder hit .280 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI. He moved from second base to third base after the arrival of shortstop prospect Amed Rosario.

Next year Cabrera will play either second base or third base. Where he plays will depend on the status of David Wright and T.J. Rivera. The Mets are also expected to pick up the team option for reliever Jerry Blevins.