The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a new era as they trade away third baseman Nolan Arenado, marking a significant shift for the team that has not reached the playoffs since 2022. This move, amidst a highly competitive NL Central, highlights St. Louis’s focus on rebuilding for the future.
Cardinals Trade Arenado to the Diamondbacks
In a surprising development, the St. Louis Cardinals have traded Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Jack Martinez. The deal comes as the Cardinals foot much of the financial burden, sending $31 million of Arenado’s remaining $42 million salary to Arizona.
This trade is part of a broader effort by the Cardinals to shed payroll; they have already spent $59 million to remove three players from their roster. This includes two separate transactions with the Boston Red Sox, where they dealt right-hander Sonny Gray and first baseman Willson Contreras while also sending money along in both trades.
Arenado’s Career and Future with the Diamondbacks
Nolan Arenado originally signed a nine-year, $275 million contract with the Colorado Rockies prior to the 2019 season. Under the terms of the new agreement, Arizona is only responsible for $11 million over the next two years—specifically, $5 million in 2026 and $6 million in 2027.
Interestingly, Arenado, Gray, and Contreras all waived their no-trade clauses to facilitate these moves. Arenado joined the Cardinals in 2021 and enjoyed a successful tenure, helping the team win the NL Central in 2022.
Throughout his career, Arenado has been recognized for his exceptional talent, winning 10 Gold Gloves, six Platinum Gloves, and earning eight All-Star selections. He holds a lifetime batting average of .282 with 353 home runs and 1,184 RBIs. However, at 34 years old, he is approaching the twilight of his prime.
The Diamondbacks, who finished last season with a losing record of 80-82, are hopeful that Arenado’s arrival will bolster their lineup. While they are only three years removed from a World Series appearance and still have several star players, including Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte, they are counting on Arenado’s proven track record to enhance their competitiveness.
Interestingly, the Cardinals will continue to receive a financial benefit, as the Rockies still owe them a final payment of $5 million for Arenado, despite his departure. As such, three teams will concurrently participate in paying Arenado’s salary next season, creating a unique scenario in the landscape of Major League Baseball.
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