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The Arizona Diamondbacks made a splash Tuesday, acquiring eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado and cash considerations from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for minor league pitcher Jack Martinez, the teams announced.
The Cardinals are reportedly sending $31 million to the Diamondbacks to help offset the final two years of Arenado’s nine-year, $275 million contract.
The Cardinals are sending Arizona $22 million to offset this season’s salary ($2,666,666.67 on the 15th of each month from April to September) and $9 million on Nov. 1, 2027, according to reports.
The 34-year-old isn’t the offensive force he used to be, as he hit .237 with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs last season, and his numbers have declined in each of the last few seasons.
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St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) celebrates after scoring an RBI in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The play took place in Denver, Colorado, on July 21, 2025. (Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images)
The ten-time Gold Glove winner still plays strong third base and will strengthen the Diamondbacks’ defensive position. Arenado gives the team a veteran presence at the position after the Diamondbacks traded slugger Eugenio Suárez at last season’s trade deadline.
Arenado waived his no-trade clause to help facilitate the deal.
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St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) throws to first base to go out against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Oracle Park. The play took place in San Francisco, California, on September 23, 2025. (Eakin Howard/Image Images)
“We are grateful for Nolan’s five years as a Cardinal, on and off the field, for his drive, his competitiveness and for all the memories he gave us,” Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said in a statement.
“As we continue to move forward, we are pleased to add another intriguing pitching prospect to our organization and are excited for the opportunity this move creates for several of our players to step forward and further establish themselves at the Major League level,” Bloom added.
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St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) runs home after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Oracle Park. The play took place in San Francisco, California, on September 23, 2025. (Eakin Howard/Image Images)
Arenado is a career .282 hitter with 353 home runs and 1,184 RBIs.
Martinez was an eighth-round pick of the D-backs out of Arizona State in 2025. He did not pitch after being signed. In his final college season, Martínez had a 5.47 ERA and struck out 110 batters with 33 walks in 77 1/3 innings.
