The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals. The deal sends highly regarded pitching prospect Jack Martinez to St. Louis along with $11 million in cash considerations. Arizona agreed to cover $31 million of the $42 million remaining on Arenado’s contract through the 2027 season.
BREAKING: The Arizona Diamondbacks are acquiring eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, sources tell ESPN. Arenado has agreed to waive his no-trade clause and the deal is done.
First to say the deal was close was @katiejwoo.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2026
Possible Bounce Back Candidate?
Arenado turns 35 in April. He is coming off the most challenging statistical season of his decorated career. In 2025, the perennial defensive wizard posted career lows across the board. Slashing .249/.302/.419 with 16 home runs and 68 RBI in 142 games. His power numbers and on base ability dipped noticeably. Prompting questions about his long term offensive ceiling in St. Louis.
Despite the down year, Arenado remains one of the most respected infield defenders in baseball history. His glove work at third base is still considered elite by scouts and analytics alike. Additionally, his veteran presence in the clubhouse is viewed as a major plus for a Diamondbacks team that made the playoffs in 2024-25 but fell short of reaching the World Series.
Arizona’s front office sees Arenado as the missing piece for a club that already boasts a dynamic young core, strong starting pitching, and one of the deepest farm systems in the National League. By taking on the majority of Arenado’s salary, the Diamondbacks were able to acquire a perennial All-Star caliber player without sacrificing any of their top prospects or major league talent.
Impact for the Cardinals
For the Cardinals, the move accelerates what has become a clear organizational rebuild. After missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons and watching their contention window close, St. Louis has begun prioritizing payroll flexibility and youth movement. Offloading the bulk of Arenado’s contract gives them breathing room to pursue additional moves this winter and continue building around their emerging young core.
The trade marks a fascinating chapter in Arenado’s career. After being traded from Colorado to St. Louis in 2021 in a deal that once looked like a long term cornerstone partnership, he now heads to the desert to chase a ring with a team very much in its contention prime.
Arizona fans are already buzzing about the possibility of a left side of the infield featuring Arenado and Geraldo Perdomo’s defensive capability. The clubhouse gains a proven winner who has postseason experience and knows what it takes to perform in October.
Arizona is Ready to Compete
The Diamondbacks have quietly become one of baseball’s most aggressive organizations over the last two offseasons. Adding Arenado at this price point may go down as one of the shrewdest moves of the 2025–26 winter. Provided he can rediscover even a portion of his former offensive form.
Spring training will tell the story. But for now, Arizona has sent a loud message across the league.
They intend to be playing meaningful baseball deep into October.
Main Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images