The Arizona Diamondbacks made a bold move this week, acquiring veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade that signals their intent to keep pushing forward in the National League.
And make no mistake-this isn’t just a name-brand pickup. Arenado, now 34, brings more than just a decorated resume to the desert.
He brings leadership, experience, and a chip on his shoulder.
On Wednesday, Arenado spoke candidly about the transition and what he believes he still has left in the tank. “I still have high expectations for myself on the offensive side,” he said.
“I do, on both sides of the ball. You know, I expect to go out there and help this team win on both sides.
That’s where my expectations are.”
That mindset is exactly what the D’Backs are banking on. Arenado isn’t pretending the last few years have gone to plan-he acknowledged the injuries and struggles-but there’s a quiet confidence in his voice when he talks about the adjustments he’s already begun working on with Arizona’s hitting coaches.
He believes those tweaks could pay off sooner rather than later. And if they do, the Diamondbacks might have just added a key piece to a young, athletic lineup that’s already on the rise.
“Being in a lineup with this group of players is going to be great,” Arenado added. “These guys can all really run, they can steal and hopefully get in scoring position. And if I can do my job, I don’t see why I can’t be driving these guys in.”
That’s the kind of veteran presence that can elevate a clubhouse-not just with words, but with production. And let’s not forget: Arenado had to waive his no-trade clause to make this deal happen.
That tells you something about where his head is. He’s not just accepting a new chapter; he’s embracing it.
This is a player who’s been to eight All-Star Games, won a stack of Gold Gloves, and at one point was considered the gold standard at third base. While he’s not the same player who used to put up MVP-caliber numbers in Colorado, he’s far from done. Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery, a new voice in your ear, and a clubhouse full of hungry teammates to spark a resurgence.
For the Diamondbacks, the hope is clear: that Arenado’s experience and still-dangerous bat can help anchor a lineup that’s already loaded with speed and upside. For Arenado, it’s a shot at redemption-and maybe one last run at October glory.
