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Phoenix, AZ — January 13, 2026, 12:45 PM ET — In one of the most stunning moves of the MLB offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals, sources confirm. The deal was finalized moments ago and signals a major shakeup in the National League West as Arizona pushes to return to playoff contention in 2026. That’s right, Nolan Arenado is back in the NL West!
Arenado, one of the game’s premier defensive stars and a perennial run producer, has agreed to waive his full no-trade clause, allowing the Cardinals to send him to Arizona in a deal that had been “serious” all morning, according to The Athletic’s Katie Woo.
What Arizona Gets
Arenado arrives in the desert expected to patrol third base for the Diamondbacks. Though his offensive production dipped in recent seasons, his elite glove work and veteran leadership remain elite traits that could immediately bolster Arizona’s infield. The move fills a glaring hole after the Diamondbacks traded away Eugenio Suárez last season and ultimately decided not to trade Ketel Marte despite heavy offseason speculation.
They will pay Nolan a grand total of $9,000,000 annually as the Cardinals have sent a whopping $31,000,000 to Arizona. This feels like a major Diamondbacks win.
What St. Louis Gets
The one prospect known as it stands currently is RHP Jack Martinez, who was an 8th round selection in last year’s draft, this is per Mark Feisand. The Cardinals will also be paying a substantial amount of his (Arenado’s) salary down.
Arenado’s Career Snapshot
Nolan Arenado, 34, has long been one of the most decorated third basemen in baseball history, lauded for his defensive brilliance with 10 Rawlings Gold Gloves and consistent offensive production throughout his career. Originally debuting with the Rockies in 2013 before being traded to the Cardinals in 2021, Arenado’s résumé includes:
- 8× MLB All-Star
- 10× Gold Glove Award winner
- 5× Silver Slugger Award
- Multiple league home run and RBI leader honors
Though his bat cooled in recent seasons compared to his peak years, Arenado’s presence immediately raises Arizona’s lineup profile and defensive stability.
Division Impact
The Diamondbacks, who have missed the playoffs since their 2023 World Series run, are signaling serious contention intent with this move. Adding a future Hall of Famer — even in the later stages of his contract — strengthens their bid in an extremely competitive NL West, where the Dodgers, Padres, and Giants remain formidable opponents.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals continue to pivot toward a younger core. With third base prospects and internal options rising, St. Louis appears committed to reshaping the roster for a long-term rebuild.
There will be updates to this article as soon as return is known.
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