Nolan Arenado was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks after waving his no-trade clause yesterday by the Cardinals for right-hander Jack Martínez and 31 million dollars to pay a large part of his 42 million dollars he has two years left on a nine-year, 275 million dollar deal he signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2019.
The Cuban-American infielder did not wave the clause last year when he was to be traded to the Houston Astros during the trade deadline. The third baseman slashed .237/.289/.377 with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs in 107 games with the redbirds. This move could probably open up a sport for César Prieto, who debuted last season in the majors with the Cardinals.
“We’ve always liked the way he’s played the game and the impact he can have when he’s not playing,” Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said. “I think he’s a good fit. I know how much winning means to him and is important to him — and it’s important to us.”
Arenado, who was supposed to move to first base this season with St. Louis will likely stay at his original position after the trade. The slugger slashes 282/.338/.507 with 353 home runs and 1,184 RBIs over his career to go along with with 10 Gold Gloves, six Platinum Gloves.
“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,” Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said in a statement.