(ST. LOUIS) — The St. Louis Cardinals have traded star third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Jack Martinez and cash considerations, the team announced Monday.
The deal marks the end of Arenado’s five-year tenure with the Cardinals, during which he established himself as one of the franchise’s cornerstone players. The 34-year-old third baseman appeared in three All-Star games as a Cardinal and finished third in National League MVP voting in 2022, when he helped lead St. Louis to an NL Central Division title.
“We are grateful for Nolan’s five years as a Cardinal, on and off the field — for his drive, his competitiveness, and for all of the memories he gave us,” said Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom. “We wish Nolan and his family the very best as he continues with the next chapter of his great career.”
The trade represents a significant shift in direction for the Cardinals, who are exchanging a proven veteran for an unproven prospect. Martinez, 22, was selected by Arizona in the eighth round of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Arizona State University, where he posted a 6-4 record with a 5.94 ERA in 15 starts last season. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound right-hander struck out 110 batters over 77.1 innings for the Sun Devils.
Martinez, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, also pitched collegiately at Trinity University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, compiling a combined 20-8 record with a 4.76 ERA over 75 career appearances. It has been reported that the hurler has a plus fastball. He will make his professional debut with the Cardinals organization in 2026.
“As we continue to move forward, we are pleased to add another intriguing pitching prospect to our organization, and excited for the opportunity this move creates for a number of our players to step up and further establish themselves at the big league level,” Bloom said.
The trade brings the flexibilty that the Cardinals have sought for the last two seasons as they continue to build a younger roster. Current Cardinal Nolan Gorman and Minor League prospect J.J. Wetherholt are projected to compete for third base at the big league level. Arizona receives an experienced veteran for their infield as they look to contend in the crowded NL West field.
