Overview
- St. Louis will cover $31 million of roughly $42 million remaining, leaving Arizona to pay about $11 million over 2026–27 while sending only pitcher Jack Martinez, a 2025 eighth-round pick, to the Cardinals.
- The Padres were a serious bidder and weighed moving Arenado to first base next to Manny Machado, but they hesitated at the financial split, according to The Athletic.
- Arenado, entering his age-35 season after a .237/.289/.377 line in 2025, is slated to be Arizona’s everyday third baseman, with the club prioritizing his defense and leadership over premium offense.
- Exercising his full no-trade clause, Arenado expanded his acceptable destinations and cited Arizona’s young core and proximity to Southern California during his introductory media session.
- General manager Mike Hazen said the Diamondbacks still aim to add a right-handed first baseman and bullpen help, noting elite late-inning options may be scarce as A.J. Puk targets a return in the first few months and Justin Martinez aims for the second half.