Nolan Arenado: Traded | Trade Details | Reference | Jersey | Fangraphs

Nolan Arenado — one of baseball’s most decorated third basemen — has officially been traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Arizona Diamondbacks in one of the most talked-about moves of the 2025-26 MLB offseason. This trade carries implications not only for the teams involved but also for Arenado’s legacy, Fangraphs metrics, jersey significance, and potential Hall of Fame case.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover:

• Trade breakdown and details

• Fangraphs and sabermetric insights

• Reference: career overview and contract review

• Jersey legacy & fan reaction

• Future outlook with the Diamondbacks

• FAQs about the trade and Arenado’s career

1. Blockbuster Trade Details: Cardinals to Diamondbacks

On January 13, 2026, the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Jack Martinez and cash considerations. Arenado waived his full no-trade clause to facilitate the move.

Trade specifics:

• From Cardinals to Diamondbacks: Nolan Arenado + Cash considerations

• From Diamondbacks to Cardinals: RHP Jack Martinez (8th round pick, 2025 draft)

• Cardinals reportedly paid around $31 million of Arenado’s remaining contract to get the deal done.

Arenado’s contract — originally a nine-year, $275 million deal signed with the Colorado Rockies — still has two years remaining.

The move appears to serve both clubs’ strategic goals:

• Diamondbacks: Upgrade veteran talent at third base and add a proven defensive anchor.

• Cardinals: Continue a youth-oriented retooling project by getting a young arm in return.

2. Fangraphs & Sabermetrics: Career Versus Current Value

Defensive Excellence

Arenado has long been praised for his elite defensive prowess. According to Fangraphs’ traditional and advanced metrics, he ranks among the best third basemen of his era in terms of both Gold Gloves and defensive runs saved.

• 10× Gold Glove Awards — Recognizing his brilliance at the hot corner.

• 6× Platinum Gloves — Honors the top defensive player in all of MLB.

Defensively, almost no third basemen have brought more value across a career than Arenado, per WAR and fielding-runs metrics.

Offensive Production

While defense has been his hallmark, Arenado’s bat once placed him in MVP conversations. However, recent seasons showed a decline in offensive output:

• 2025: .237 batting average, 12 HR, 52 RBI — career lows in productivity.

Fangraphs’ WAR and bWAR figures reflect this downturn — though they still highlight his overall career merit. Earlier in his Rockies tenure, Arenado consistently posted elite offensive value alongside his defense.

3. Career Reference: From Rockies to Cardinals to D-Backs

Arenado’s journey through Major League Baseball has been remarkable and multifaceted:

Draft and Early Years

• Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 2nd round of the 2009 MLB Draft.

• Made MLB debut on April 28, 2013.

Rockies Career

With Colorado, Arenado quickly became one of baseball’s brightest stars:

• Multi-time NL home run leader

• Regular All-Star

• Record-setting defensive seasons

His offensive peak included seasons of 40+ home runs and 100+ RBIs, and he became one of the most feared bats in the National League.

Cardinals Era (2021-2025)

In 2021, the Cardinals acquired Arenado from the Rockies in a notable trade.
He continued as a cornerstone player for St. Louis, though offensive production began trending downward in later years.

Latest Move: Arizona Diamondbacks (2026)

The trade in January 2026 marks his third MLB team and a new chapter in his veteran career.

4. Jersey Legacy & Fan Reaction

Jersey Significance

Across three franchises, Arenado’s jersey has become iconic:

• Rockies #28: Years of peak production

• Cardinals #28: Veteran leadership and consistent defense

• Diamondbacks #28: New team identity with playoff aspirations

The number 28 has become synonymous with excellence at third base — a jersey many fans proudly wear.

Fan & Analyst Reaction

Social and fan forums show contrasting opinions:

• Some see the trade as a smart, low-risk move by the D-Backs to complement young core talent.

• Others recall past debates on the value the Cardinals received for Arenado compared with the package sent to the Rockies.

5. What This Means for the Future

Diamondbacks Outlook

Joining Arizona, Arenado takes a leadership role on a club looking to compete in the NL West. The D-Backs envision Arenado helping both defensively and providing key mentoring to younger hitters.

Despite recent struggles with the bat, Arizona believes a change in environment and ballpark could help him rebound.

Hall of Fame Case

Arenado’s long list of accolades — including 10 Gold Gloves, multiple All-Star nods, and consistent offensive seasons — positions him as a strong Hall of Fame candidate once eligible.

His defensive legacy alone places him among the best third basemen of the 21st century.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why was Nolan Arenado traded in 2026?

Arenado was traded as part of the Cardinals’ strategic roster restructure and the Diamondbacks’ desire to add veteran defense and offense at third base. The Cardinals also gained financial flexibility and a young pitching prospect in return.

What did the Cardinals receive for Arenado?

The St. Louis Cardinals received RHP Jack Martinez and cash considerations from the Diamondbacks in exchange for Arenado.

Is Arenado still under contract?

Yes — Arenado’s contract runs through 2027, with Arizona and the Cardinals splitting financial responsibility in the trade.

How does Fangraphs rate Arenado’s career?

Fangraphs metrics show Arenado as both elite defensively and historically impactful offensively, though recent seasons showed a downturn in production. His career WAR and defensive value remain among the top for third basemen.

Does Arenado have Hall of Fame potential?

Yes. With multiple Gold Gloves, All-Star appearances, and several Silver Slugger awards, Arenado’s career trajectory and accolades make him a strong Hall of Fame candidate once eligible.

What jersey number will he wear in Arizona?

Arenado continues to wear #28 — a number associated with his identity across multiple teams throughout his MLB career.

Final Thoughts

Nolan Arenado’s trade to the Diamondbacks caps off a remarkable 14-year MLB journey so far — blending defensive mastery, offensive power, and evolving team narratives. Whether you’re a fan of the Cardinals, a follower of analytics like Fangraphs, or simply a baseball statistic enthusiast, this trade showcases how even elite careers evolve with the sport’s competitive landscape.