The St. Louis Cardinals have traded third baseman Nolan Arenado and $31 million in cash considerations to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for minor-league right-hander Jack Martinez. The deal, announced on Tuesday, marks a key step in the Cardinals' rebuild under president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, waived his no-trade clause to join Arizona, where he is expected to anchor the infield defense.
The trade ends a prolonged effort by the Cardinals to move Arenado, who joined the team in a 2021 blockbuster from the Colorado Rockies. Over five seasons in St. Louis, Arenado earned three All-Star selections but appeared in only three playoff games, all losses. His tenure included a standout 2022 campaign, when he slashed .293/.358/.533 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs, finishing third in National League MVP voting while securing his 10th consecutive Gold Glove. However, injuries plagued him in 2025, limiting him to 107 games with a .237/.289/.377 line, 12 home runs, and a .666 OPS.
Cardinals president Chaim Bloom emphasized the necessity of the move despite Arenado's pedigree. "[Arenado’s] baseball royalty and we’re mindful of that, but a lot of what comes with this chair is not letting emotion, sentiment and nostalgia override executing what is best for this team," Bloom said. The deal clears a roster spot at third base for Nolan Gorman and top prospect JJ Wetherholt, aligning with St. Louis's first full-scale rebuild in over three decades. This winter, the Cardinals have also traded veterans Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox, sending a total of $41 million in salary relief across the deals.
For the Diamondbacks, Arenado fills a void at third base following the 2025 trade of Eugenio Suárez to the Mariners. Utility player Blaze Alexander had filled the role but now shifts to the outfield amid Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s early-season absence. Arizona general manager Mike Hazen highlighted Arenado's defensive value: "We think he really solidifies our defense on the infield. It's been a priority for us to improve our defense, which I believe is going to have a direct impact on our pitching in a significant way." Hazen also expressed optimism about an offensive rebound in the hitter-friendly Chase Field, noting, "We probably have a little bit better of ballpark to hit in."
The 34-year-old Arenado has two years and $37 million remaining on his contract, with Arizona paying just $5 million in 2026 and $6 million in 2027. In return, St. Louis receives 22-year-old Jack Martinez, an eighth-round pick from the 2025 MLB Draft out of Arizona State, who posted a 5.47 ERA in college and is not ranked among top prospects. The move continues Arizona's efforts to bolster their roster after an 80-82 finish in 2025, while St. Louis, at 78-84 last year, focuses on youth development.
