On Tuesday, the St. Louis Cardinals finally checked off a long-standing objective that had lingered for the past two offseasons: moving on from Nolan Arenado. The club found a landing spot for the veteran third baseman with the Arizona Diamondbacks, while also agreeing to cover most of the remaining money on his contract.
In return, St. Louis received pitching prospect Jack Martinez. While the haul was modest, the trade clears the way for the Cardinals to transition toward younger options at third base.
After the deal became official, Arenado explained what prompted him to waive his no-trade clause and approve the move to Arizona—and his reasoning may have surprised some fans.
Arenado acknowledged that the direction of the organization played a key role in his decision. He pointed out that the Cardinals are at a stage where they need to fully commit to developing their young core and discovering the team’s new identity. In his view, his presence may have stood in the way of that process, a feeling he admitted had been building since last season.
The Cardinals acquired Arenado from the Colorado Rockies in 2021, and during his tenure he helped guide the team to two postseason appearances. Since then, however, St. Louis has missed the playoffs three consecutive years and posted losing records in two of those seasons.
His comments reflected professionalism rather than frustration. Arenado did not criticize the organization, the fan base, or the city. Instead, his decision came from a desire to open opportunities for younger players rather than from any dissatisfaction with the Cardinals.
With Arenado now gone, St. Louis has flexibility at third base, whether that means installing JJ Wetherholt or giving expanded chances to players like Thomas Saggese or Nolan Gorman. Importantly, fans can take comfort in knowing that Arenado’s departure was not driven by unhappiness in St. Louis.
Ultimately, he believed stepping aside was the best move for the team’s future, particularly as the Cardinals shift their focus toward youth and long-term growth. Keeping Arenado would have continued to limit opportunities for developing players, as it did in 2025.
Now, the Cardinals can move forward with a reset roster and a clearer vision for the future—while Arenado leaves St. Louis with positive memories and lasting respect for the organization.
