Nolan Arenado has been traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks from the St. Louis Cardinals, with the deal announced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
St. Louis is receiving right-handed pitching prospect Jack Martinez, while Arizona gets Arenado, with the Cardinals also including $31 million in the trade.
Nolan Arenado Trade — What We Know So Far
Arenado waived his no-trade provision to complete the move, ending months of speculation around his future in St. Louis.
The 34-year-old is an eight-time All-Star and a 10-time Gold Glove winner, and he joins Arizona with two years and $42 million left on his deal.
Trade Package, Cash Details, and Contract Breakdown
Deal terms (confirmed)
- Diamondbacks receive: Nolan Arenado
- Cardinals receive: RHP Jack Martinez
Money in the deal (keep this clean)
- The Associated Press report says the Cardinals are including $31 million in the trade.
- AP’s breakdown: St. Louis will send $22 million to offset Arenado’s 2026 salary (paid monthly April–September) and $9 million due on Nov. 1, 2027.
Optional clearer split (with attribution — don’t mix wording)
- MLB Trade Rumors reports Arizona is on the hook for $11 million of the remaining $42 million; the Rockies pay $5 million, and the Cardinals cover the remaining $26 million. MLBTR adds Arizona’s share is $5 million (2026) and $6 million (2027).
(Why figures look different across outlets: some reports summarise the full $31M being “included,” while others break it into who ultimately pays what across the Cardinals/Rockies/D-backs.)
Who Is Jack Martinez?
Jack Martinez is a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher and a 2025 eighth-round pick out of Arizona State.
His official MiLB listing puts him at 6’4″ and 215 lbs, born March 12, 2003 in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Key Highlights / Summary Box
Arenado to the Diamondbacks is official, with St. Louis including $31 million in the deal.
The Cardinals receive RHP Jack Martinez, a 22-year-old 2025 eighth-round pick out of Arizona State.
Arenado has two years and $42M remaining, but Arizona’s effective cost is reduced sharply by the money sent in the trade.
Conclusion/Verdict
For Arizona, it’s a win-now swing at elite third-base defence and a proven name — with the financial hit softened by the money coming back in the deal.
For St. Louis, it’s a clear payroll-and-roster reset move that brings in a young arm while creating flexibility going forward.
Stay tuned for more updates from KittoNews as reaction, roster moves, and any additional transaction notes roll in.
FAQs
A1: The Cardinals traded Nolan Arenado to the Diamondbacks for pitching prospect Jack Martinez, and St. Louis included $31 million in the deal.
A2: Reports state Arenado has two years and $42 million remaining, with $27 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027.
