Introduction

Nolan Arenado remains one of the most decorated third basemen in Major League Baseball history, known for his exceptional defense, consistent offensive contributions, and tenacious presence at the hot corner. In early 2026, Arenado made headlines once again as he was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Arizona Diamondbacks, a move that has significant implications for both franchises and his legacy. In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized deep dive, we’ll cover:
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Whether Nolan Arenado got traded
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His current age
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Detailed Baseball-Reference stats
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Salary and contract breakdown
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Career achievements and future outlook
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Common FAQs about Nolan Arenado
Let’s dive in.
Did Nolan Arenado Get Traded?
Trade Details and Who He Was Traded For
Yes — Nolan Arenado was traded in January 2026 from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks acquired the eight-time All-Star third baseman in exchange for 22-year-old pitching prospect Jack Martinez and cash considerations.
Here’s a breakdown of the trade:
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From Cardinals to Diamondbacks:
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Nolan Arenado (3B, veteran star)
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Cash considerations (reported significant amount to offset salary)
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From Diamondbacks to Cardinals:
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Jack Martinez, a right-handed pitching prospect
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Arenado waived his no-trade clause to complete the move — a decision only a few veteran players can make without club approval.
This trade comes as part of a ramped-up offseason for the Diamondbacks, who are aiming to bolster their lineup and return to postseason contention. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are focusing on a rebuild and securing young talent.
How Old Is Nolan Arenado?
As of 2026, Nolan Arenado is 34 years old and will turn 35 in April during the 2026 season.
Here’s what that age means for his career trajectory:
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Nearing the mid-30s — typically the start of the latter part of a baseball career
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Still contributes strong defense and veteran leadership
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Recent offensive output showed a decline compared to his prime years – something teams consider when trading for aging stars
Despite a dip in batting averages and homers in 2025, Arenado remains a valuable addition for a club like Arizona looking for dependable performance on both sides of the ball.
Baseball-Reference Stats: Career and Recent Production
Baseball Reference provides an in-depth statistical snapshot of Nolan Arenado’s career. Here’s a summary of key metrics:
Career Overview
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Debut: April 28, 2013 (Colorado Rockies)
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Positions: Third Baseman
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Bats / Throws: Right / Right
Career Stats
| Statistic | Career |
|---|---|
| Batting Average (BA) | .282 |
| Home Runs (HR) | 353 |
| Runs Batted In (RBI) | 1,184 |
| On-Base % (OBP) | .338 |
| Slugging (SLG) | .507 |
He also boasts:
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8× All-Star selections
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10× Gold Glove Awards
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5× Silver Slugger Awards
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6× Platinum Gloves (for defensive excellence)
2025 Season Highlights
In 2025, Arenado experienced:
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107 games played
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.237 batting average
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12 home runs
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52 RBIs
Those numbers marked a downturn compared to his peak production, affected in part by a shoulder injury that sidelined him during the season.
Nolan Arenado’s Salary and Contract Details
Current Contract
Nolan Arenado’s contract originated as a long-term deal with the Colorado Rockies and carries over into his time with the Cardinals and now to the Diamondbacks. Here’s what we know:
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Total contract value: ~$275 million over nine years
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Remaining years: 2 (2026 and 2027)
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Total owed remaining: ~$42 million
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2026 salary: ~$27 million
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2027 salary: ~$15 million
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The Cardinals agreed to send $31 million in cash to Arizona to help offset some of these salary obligations, meaning the Diamondbacks only carry a portion of the remaining payroll.
Salary Breakdown and Deferred Money
Part of Arenado’s money includes deferred payments, which are scheduled to be paid long after the playing years — a common MLB contract structuring tactic.
For example:
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In prior seasons, the Rockies contributed a share of his salary.
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Some deferred dollars are scheduled for payout many years after 2027, offering Arenado financial stability post career.
Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2025, Nolan Arenado’s estimated net worth was around $50 million, factoring in salary and endorsements.
Arenado’s Career Achievements
While his recent offensive numbers have dipped, Nolan Arenado’s career is defined by:
Defensive Dominance
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10 Gold Gloves — one of the most decorated defenders at third base
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Platinum Gloves showcase his elite status across all positions
Offensive Production
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Over 350 career home runs
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Consistently above-average OPS during his prime
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Five seasons with 30+ homers
All-Star Recognition
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8× All-Star selections, solidifying his reputation among the game’s best
These achievements make Arenado a likely future Hall of Fame candidate, especially if he continues to add milestones and remain productive through 2026 and 2027.
What This Trade Means for the Diamondbacks
By acquiring Nolan Arenado, the Arizona Diamondbacks gain:
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Veteran leadership in the infield
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Defensive prowess at third base
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A potential middle-of-the-order bat
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An experienced postseason contender
Even with a decline in recent offensive metrics, his glove and clubhouse presence can be invaluable, particularly on a team with playoff aspirations.
What This Trade Means for the Cardinals
For the St. Louis Cardinals, moving Arenado signals:
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A continued rebuild focusing on youth
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Opening playing time for younger players
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Shedding portions of a large contract
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Acquiring a promising pitching prospect
This marks a significant shift in Cardinals strategy as they invest in future potential rather than veteran firepower.
FAQs About Nolan Arenado
1. Was Nolan Arenado traded?
Yes. Nolan Arenado was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Arizona Diamondbacks in January 2026 in exchange for pitching prospect Jack Martinez and cash considerations.
2. How old is Nolan Arenado?
As of the 2026 season, Arenado is 34 years old and will turn 35 in April.
3. What are Arenado’s Baseball-Reference career stats?
He’s a .282 career hitter with 353 homers and 1,184 RBIs, and he’s renowned for his elite defense with multiple Gold Gloves.
4. What is Nolan Arenado’s salary?
His remaining contract pays around $42 million over two seasons (2026 and 2027), with the Cardinals paying a large chunk to offset the cost for the Diamondbacks.
5. Is Arenado a Hall of Famer?
While not yet retired, Arenado’s credentials — including multiple Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and All-Star appearances — position him strongly for future Hall of Fame consideration.
Conclusion
The Nolan Arenado trade to the Arizona Diamondbacks is one of the most talked-about moves leading into the 2026 MLB season. While his offensive numbers aren’t what they once were, his leadership, elite defense, and veteran presence continue to make him a valuable asset. With clear impacts for both the Diamondbacks and Cardinals, this trade reshapes the future for both franchises and provides fans with fresh storylines for the upcoming season.
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