The Arizona Diamondbacks have finalized a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire seasoned third baseman Nolan Arenado, a move that adds a potential Hall of Famer to their roster as he approaches the twilight of his career. The Diamondbacks will part ways with young pitching prospect Jack Martinez, whom they selected just last summer from Arizona State University, according to reports from Arizona Sports.
Sources indicate that Arenado agreed to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the transition. With this acquisition, the Diamondbacks have secured their starting third baseman for the upcoming season, which allows them to explore various options for utilizing their promising young infielders, Blaze Alexander and Jordan Lawlar, potentially even in the outfield. Moreover, Arenado has shown a willingness to be flexible, having previously expressed interest in playing first base.
The 34-year-old Arenado boasts an impressive resume, featuring 13 years of Major League Baseball experience, eight All-Star selections, ten Gold Gloves, six Platinum Gloves, and six top-10 finishes in the National League MVP voting. His infield prowess was reminiscent of Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson during his prime, and between 2015 and 2022, he consistently delivered power at the plate with 30-42 home runs each season.
Though he will turn 35 in April and is not the offensive force he once was—having posted a career-low .666 OPS last season—Arenado remains an asset. He still has two years on his contract, with a salary of $16 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027. The Rockies will contribute $5 million for the upcoming season, and with an additional $6 million deferred compensation, the Diamondbacks will only be financially responsible for approximately $10 million over the next two years.
The Cardinals, in a rebuilding phase, were previously open to trading Arenado but faced a blockade from the player himself, reportedly declining a trade to Houston last offseason. Their willingness to retain significant salary on traded players such as Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras earlier this offseason shows their commitment to a financial reset.
With the Diamondbacks reasserting their commitment to star second baseman Ketel Marte and forgoing opportunities to sign marquee free agents like Alex Bregman, the addition of Arenado enhances a lineup already strengthened by players such as Marte, Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno, and Geraldo Perdomo. The D-backs are also keeping the door open for a possible reunion with Paul Goldschmidt.
Statistically, Arenado has contributed an average of 2.4 wins above replacement per 162 games over the past three years, boasting a .725 OPS with an average of 18 home runs per season. Last year, he appeared in 107 games and managed to hit 12 home runs, despite battling a right shoulder sprain. His ability to put the ball in play—striking out at a career-low rate of 11.2%—is a positive sign, although his overall contact quality has diminished in recent seasons.
His profile indicates a solid fit for Chase Field, where his tendency to pull the ball in the air at a high rate aligns well with the park’s dimensions. While he may not match the defensive supremacy of his earlier years, he still ranks as a competent third baseman, finishing last season with six defensive runs saved.
Having played predominantly in the NL West during his career—first with the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2020 and then with the Cardinals—Arenado has considerable experience at Chase Field, where he’s recorded an impressive .841 OPS and 13 home runs in 77 games. His extensive career includes four postseason appearances, although a World Series title has so far eluded him.
This trade signals a bold step for the Diamondbacks as they aim to strengthen their competitive edge while infusing experience and leadership into their roster. With Arenado now on board, the team may well be poised for a promising season ahead.