Diamondbacks acquire ten-time Gold Glove winner Arenado; Cardinals receive rookie right-hander

The Arizona Diamondbacks officially announced a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals today, acquiring veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado. The Cardinals will receive 22-year-old right-handed pitcher Jack Martinez, a 2025 MLB Draft eighth-round pick from Arizona State University.

According to MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand’s sources, Arenado’s salary for the next two seasons totals $42 million, with the Diamondbacks receiving $31 million in cash compensation in this deal. However, the Cardinals' actual cash outlay is less because they will cover $6 million in deferred payments from Arenado’s contract scheduled for 2040-41.

Arenado’s original contract included a no-trade clause, which he waived to join the Diamondbacks.

At 34 years old, Arenado is one of the most decorated active players in the league, boasting 10 Gold Gloves, 8 All-Star selections, 6 Platinum Gloves, 5 Silver Slugger awards, and 3 National League home run titles.

“We believe he is an excellent addition to our team,” said Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen. “After trading some position players at last year’s deadline, our depth was reduced. Although this offseason’s focus has been largely on pitching, we still see strengthening our position players as vital. He will significantly reinforce our infield defense — improving defense has always been a priority, and I am confident this will have a direct, major impact on our pitchers’ performance.”

Arenado is expected to be the Diamondbacks’ starting third baseman. After trading Eugenio Suárez to the Mariners at last year’s deadline, Blaze Alexander took over that position. With left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. expected to miss at least the first two months of the 2026 season, Alexander might share left or center field duties with rookie Jordan Lawlar — a former first-round pick who, although primarily a shortstop, has experience playing outfield in winter league games.

In the 2022 NL MVP voting, Arenado finished third, posting a slash line of .293/.358/.533 (OPS 0.891), hitting 30 home runs with 103 RBIs, and winning his tenth consecutive Gold Glove. However, his offensive numbers declined in the 2025 season.

After hitting 26 homers in 2023 and 16 in 2024, Arenado struggled with back and hand injuries in 2025. Before the 2025 season began, he was already the subject of trade rumors and used his no-trade clause to veto a potential deal to the Houston Astros. While his defense returned to its usual high level, he managed only 12 home runs in 107 games in 2025, with an OPS of 0.666.

The Diamondbacks hope Arenado can rebound from his offensive slump — last season he posted a .237/.289/.377 slash line. “Last year was clearly below his own expectations,” Hazen admitted, “but we are confident in his ability to bounce back. We are excited about that and know he will work hard to achieve it. As players age and the league evolves, continuous adaptation is necessary, and we know he will give it his all. Our home park is relatively hitter-friendly, so we expect him to provide steady offensive contributions in the lineup.”

Given the team already has a strong core lineup featuring Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno, and Geraldo Perdomo, the Diamondbacks do not expect Arenado to carry the offense alone.

Additionally, the Diamondbacks signed free-agent right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga to a minor league deal to continue building bullpen depth. Hazen revealed the team might further strengthen their relief pitching and is looking for a right-handed first baseman/designated hitter to complement left-handed hitter Pavin Smith for tactical balance.