Diamondbacks, Cardinals Closing In On Nolan Arenado Trade

The St. Louis Cardinals have officially moved on from one of the defining players of their recent era. They traded perennial All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

This deal isn’t just about swapping players. It’s about financial flexibility and a new direction for both teams.

St. Louis is clearly leaning into a youth-driven rebuild. Arizona, meanwhile, gets a short-term fix at a premium infield spot.

Details of the Arenado Trade

This wasn’t ever going to be a simple one-for-one swap. Arenado’s contract and recent play made things complicated, and the final deal reflects that.

The Cardinals wanted payroll relief. The Diamondbacks wanted stability at third base. Each team had a clear goal.

Who’s Moving Where

The Cardinals sent Nolan Arenado and cash to Arizona. In return, they got right-handed pitching prospect Jack Martinez and an eighth-round pick in the Diamondbacks’ 2025 draft.

Financially, Arizona takes on $11 million of Arenado’s $42 million left over the next two years. The Rockies, thanks to the original contract, will chip in $5 million. St. Louis still owes $26 million.

Arenado’s Recent Decline and What Arizona Is Betting On

Arenado built his reputation as an elite third baseman, no doubt about it. But his 2025 season raised some real concerns.

He’s 34, almost 35, and honestly, the margin for error is getting thin.

Offensive Red Flags and Defensive Value

Last season, in 436 plate appearances, Arenado hit just .237/.289/.377. His wRC+ sat 16 percent below league average.

Power fell to 12 homers, and his plate discipline slipped, with a 34.1 percent chase rate. He also posted a career-high 16.5 percent infield-fly rate, a sign his batted-ball profile is weakening.

Still, Arizona’s not giving up on him. Arenado can still make solid contact and plays above-average defense at third.

Chase Field could be a friendlier place for his bat than Busch Stadium was. Maybe that helps him bounce back at the plate.

The Cardinals’ Rebuild Under Chaim Bloom

This move fits into a bigger reset under new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom. St. Louis is clearly choosing a long-term vision over hanging on to aging stars.

Clearing Payroll and Opening Opportunities

Trading Arenado opens up playing time and resources for the younger guys, like:

Jack Martinez, the return, is a classic “lottery-ticket” pitching prospect. He had a 5.47 ERA as a senior at Arizona State and hasn’t pitched professionally yet, but his 97 mph fastball and 32.3 percent strikeout rate give the Cardinals some hope.

Financial Ripples Across Both Organizations

This Arenado trade really shows how both teams are juggling their finances while shaping their rosters. There’s a lot going on beneath the surface here.

Payroll Impact and Future Flexibility

Between Arenado, Sonny Gray, and Willson Contreras—both dealt earlier this offseason—the Cardinals will still pay roughly $54 million over the next two seasons to players who aren’t even on the roster anymore.

For Arizona, the net payroll increase is pretty modest, about $4.2 million. That nudges their total just over $170 million.

That number leaves the Diamondbacks with limited flexibility. Still, there’s probably enough room to add some bullpen help if they want to get creative.

This move also complicates things for former top prospect Jordan Lawlar. He might have to switch positions, head back to Triple-A, or maybe even find himself as a piece in a future trade.

 
Here is the source article for this story: D-backs, Cardinals Close To Nolan Arenado Trade