The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, bringing an end to St. Louis’ yearlong effort to trade the eight time All Star as the organization commits fully to a rebuild. The Cardinals received right handed pitching prospect Jack Martinez in the deal and sent $31 million to Arizona to help offset the $42 million remaining on Arenado’s contract over the next two seasons. Arenado waived his no trade clause to facilitate the move.
Arenado, 34, had been on the trade block for more than a year. He previously used his no trade clause to block a deal to the Houston Astros and ultimately remained in St. Louis for the 2025 season, when he struggled by his standards, hitting .237/.289/.377 with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs in 107 games. Injuries played a role, as Arenado missed nearly two months late in the season with a shoulder issue, marking one of the least productive and least durable seasons of his career.
He has two years remaining on the long term contract he originally signed with the Colorado Rockies prior to the 2019 season. Under the terms of the trade, Arizona will pay $5 million of Arenado’s $27 million salary this season and $6 million of the $15 million he is owed next year, with the remainder covered by St. Louis. Arenado was acquired by the Cardinals in a blockbuster trade in 2021 and spent five seasons with the club, earning three All Star selections but appearing in just three postseason games during his tenure.
Despite recent decline, the Diamondbacks are acquiring a player with a Hall of Fame caliber resume. Arenado is a 10 time Gold Glove winner, a six time Platinum Glove recipient, an eight time All Star and a five time Silver Slugger, with four top five MVP finishes. He has a career slash line of .282/.338/.507 with 353 home runs and 1,184 RBIs and remains one of the most decorated defensive third basemen in baseball history.
Arizona adds Arenado to a team coming off an 80-82 season that still features core players such as Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, and Ketel Marte. While Arenado’s production has dipped significantly over the past three seasons, including a career low 87 OPS+ last year, the Diamondbacks are betting that a change of scenery and improved health can help revive the bat of a player whose defensive excellence and pedigree still carry significant value.
