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In recent years, the St. Louis Cardinals have found themselves in a playoff drought, with their last series win dating back to 2019 and their most recent postseason appearance in 2022. As the National League Central division grows increasingly competitive, the Cardinals are turning their attention toward future prospects, making significant roster changes in the process.
A notable move includes trading their star third baseman, Nolan Arenado, to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In return, the Cardinals acquired right-handed pitching prospect Jack Martinez. In an effort to facilitate this trade, St. Louis is covering a substantial portion of Arenado’s remaining salary, contributing $31 million of the $42 million still owed to him.
Overall, the Cardinals have invested $59 million to offload three key players. In addition to Arenado, the team executed separate trades with the Boston Red Sox, sending right-hander Sonny Gray and first baseman Willson Contreras to Boston, with financial contributions included in both deals.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Arenado originally signed a lucrative nine-year, $275 million contract with the Colorado Rockies before the 2019 season. With his move to Arizona, the Diamondbacks are responsible for only $11 million over the next two seasons, paying $5 million in 2026 and $6 million in 2027.
It’s noteworthy that Arenado, along with Gray and Contreras, had no-trade clauses in their contracts. Each player consented to waive these clauses to facilitate their respective trades.
Arenado joined the Cardinals in 2021 and played a significant role over his five-year tenure, including the 2022 season when the Cardinals claimed the NL Central title. As St. Louis reshapes its roster, these strategic decisions reflect a clear focus on building a competitive future in the league.
Over his career, Arenado has won 10 Gold Gloves, six platinum gloves, and made eight All-Star teams. He’s hitting a lifetime .282/.338/.507 with 353 home runs and 1,184 RBIs.
The Diamondbacks had a losing record last year, finishing 80-82. However, they’re just three years removed from reaching the World Series and still have several star players on the roster, including Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte. Now, the lineup is adding Arenado, an elite defender who’s had several strong seasons at the plate throughout his career. However, he’ll turn 35 in April, so his prime days are behind him.
While the Cardinals are forking over a lot of money to send Arenado elsewhere, they’re getting a little bit of relief from the Rockies. Colorado owes one more payment of $5 million to the Cardinals—even though Arenado hasn’t played for the Rockies since 2021.
That means three different teams will be paying Arenado next year, and he’ll only be playing for one of them. Not a bad deal at all.
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