PHNX Daily: D-backs Trade for Nolan Arenado

👋 GOOD MORNING – If you were hoping for some Arizona Diamondbacks news, you’re in luck, because Nolan Arenado is now a member of the D-backs. Did anyone really see that coming?

Arenado might not be Alex Bregman (or a pitcher), but it’s hard to complain about landing one of the best defenders in MLB history for a surprisingly cheap deal.

Let’s talk about it!

— Alex D’Agostino, PHNX Sports Daily Editor

Diamondbacks Swing Surprise Trade for Arenado

Yesterday, the Diamondbacks made a surprise move. After missing out on the Alex Bregman sweepstakes, the D-backs decided to pivot to another third base option, landing St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Nolan Arenado in a trade.

Going back to St. Louis was right-handed pitching prospect Jack Martinez (pronounced Martin-Ez, not Mar-TEEN-ez). If you’re a Sun Devil baseball fan, you may remember him. Martinez was drafted out of ASU in the eighth round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the D-backs, but he had yet to throw a professional pitch.

But the biggest aspect of this deal was a player by the name of Cash Considerations. The Cardinals will eat $31 million of Arenado’s remaining $42 million salary. So Arizona is getting him for $5 million in 2026 and $6 million in 2027.

That is… a steal.

Arenado may be 34 years old and coming off the worst offensive season of his career, but his career accolades are still remarkable to examine.

The veteran is an eight-time All-Star, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, a five-time Silver Slugger, and a six-time Platinum Glove winner.

And that doesn’t take away from his bat over the years, either. Arenado owns a career .282/.338/.507 slash and 353 home runs over his 13 seasons.

Granted, that did fall quite a bit in 2025. He hit to a career-low .237 average and .666 OPS, while missing some time with a shoulder injury this past season.

But he also struck out just 11.2% of the time and maintained his high-end defensive profile in the process. There’s risk involved for a player of his age with regard to potential decline, but the D-backs aren’t paying top dollar for him, and he could very well regain some of his elite form.

“I think he’s a good fit for us as a team,” GM Mike Hazen said of Arenado at a press conference yesterday. “We think he really solidifies our defense on the infield. It’s been a priority for us to improve our defense, which I believe is going to have a direct impact on our pitching in a significant way.

“I like the way he’s played the game. The impact he can have when he’s not playing inside the walls is important to us. I think he’s a good fit from that standpoint, too. I know how much winning means to him and is important to him, and it’s important to us,” Hazen said.

I know what you’re probably thinking: what about Blaze Alexander and Jordan Lawlar, who have both played mostly third base?

Well, Hazen said he sees Arenado as an everyday third baseman, and that he hopes to encourage the younger players like Alexander and Lawlar to compete for and earn their playing time.

He also said those two might see some outfield playing time. Both have had some limited recent experience playing the outfield.

“I think there’s going to be plenty of at-bats to go around,” Hazen said. “[The younger players] need to continue to go out there and earn the time that they’re going to get and establish themselves at a position, and nothing’s going to be handed to anybody.”

My Take: The first thing I said when I saw this news deal was, quite literally, “Whyyyyyy” … until I saw the financial numbers. For just $11 million over two seasons, the D-backs could very well see a resurgent season (or two) out of Arenado in the twilight of his career.

Certainly, you can’t argue with his career achievements. It’s also worth noting Arenado waived his no-trade clause to come here, specifically. Another win for the state of Arizona…

Arenado may not end up being productive offensively, but he’ll provide good defense and a sturdy veteran presence in both the lineup and the clubhouse. For an unranked pitching prospect and minimal financial commitments, this move quickly turns from shocking to a no-brainer when the details are examined. It’s a low-risk, high-ceiling move for an established, respected star.

And who knows, maybe this “Cash Considerations” guy turns out to be pretty good, too.

That isn’t the only move the D-backs made yesterday, though…

Diamondbacks Sign Jonathan Loáisiga

The D-backs also added a reliever — namely, former Yankees right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga.

Loásiga joins Arizona on a minor league deal, but will have an opportunity to compete for a major league role at Spring Training. Loáisiga has a career 3.52 ERA, and has had sustained stretches of excellence in his career, but he’s also been hit hard by the injury bug lately.

Loáisiga missed almost all of 2024 due to Tommy John Surgery, then suffered another elbow injury at the tail end of 2025. He’s healthy now, but that does remain a concern.

Still, he throws a 97 MPH sinker and has been an excellent ground ball pitcher in his eight-year career with the Yankees. He also has eight career saves and plenty of leverage experience.

With a strong Spring, he could end up being the “bridge closer” Hazen talked about, and the D-backs are still looking to add more relievers to this battered bullpen.

Quick Hits

Coaching Carousel Update: The Cardinals have requested an interview with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Texans DC Matt Burke, but that’s nowhere near the most notable coaching news of the day. Mike Tomlin has “stepped down” from his role as the Steelers head coach.

Now, Tomlin isn’t an option for Arizona this cycle, as he’s reportedly not expected to coach in 2026. But it does open up another job in Pittsburgh… and a very appealing one, at that.

If you’re looking to keep a close eye on every name, interview request and rumor, follow along with PHNX Cardinals’ coaching tracker at the link below — updated daily by yours truly.

Arizona Cardinals 2026 Coaching Search Tracker

Heat-stroke: The Suns’ hot streak came to an end last night against the Heat, as a furious comeback attempt fell just short. Despite trailing 71-54 at halftime, Phoenix surged back to take the lead late. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, as the Suns ultimately fell 127-121. Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen shared the scoring lead with 25 — Allen’s coming off the bench.