The saga in St. Louis regarding their Gold Glove third baseman is finally over. After what seemed like years of trying to find a suitable trade partner, the Cardinals have finally dealt the 8-time All-Star, Nolan Arenado, to the Arizona Diamondbacks. It seems so long ago that the D-backs were representing the National League in the World Series. Now, after division rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers winning back-to-back championships, Arizona looks to retool and get back in contention. What does this trade mean for both teams?
Arenado Shipped to the Desert
Nolan Arenado will be wearing his third different New Era Cap this season. He started his career in the thin air of the Mile High City for the Colorado Rockies. He spent his first 8 years reaping the benefits of Coors Field, being one of the most feared power hitters in the league. In 2019, the NL MVP candidate had signed an 8-year deal with the Rockies.
After two seasons, Colorado traded their All-Star third baseman to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he spent the last 5 seasons. Now, an aging Arenado and a rebuilding Cards team decided to part ways. St. Louie received minor league pitcher Jack Martinez in return.
Now, a 35-year-old Arenado finds himself back home in the NL West with a new team, with two years left on his contract. Although his power numbers have decreased from his time in Colorado, he continues to play great defensively at third. The 10-time Gold Glove winner hasn’t won one since 2023, but is still an above-average defensive player.
A lineup with young superstars like Corbin Carroll, veterans like Ketel Marte, and a top prospect like Jordan Lawlar, the D-backs could be a nice fit for the veteran former Silver Slugger. A change of scenery could be good for Arenado, who looks to improve his stats from last season, with a career-low Batting Average of .237, 12 Home Runs, and only 52 RBI.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes a player needs a change of scenery to refocus and get their baseball mind right. Nolan Arenado is not the same player he was in Colorado or even the one we saw for the first three years in St. Louis. The decision to rebuild and part ways may be the best thing for the former All-Star, Gold Glove winner, and Silver Slugger. Most gangsters look at the desert as the place they go to die; in Arenado’s case, he may be going there for a resurgence. It will be interesting to see if he can get his swag back and get this team back in NL West contention.
