Mike Hazen Talks About the Arizona Diamondbacks and Nolan Arenado

It has long been an open secret around the league that the St. Louis Cardinals were looking for a way to move on from Nolan Arenado and the massive contract attached to him. The roots of that situation stretch back to February 2019, when Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Colorado Rockies — a deal that was initially celebrated in Denver as a franchise-defining moment. That optimism didn’t last. Less than two years later, with six seasons still remaining on the contract, Arenado requested a trade and was sent to St. Louis, with Colorado also agreeing to cover $51 million of the remaining salary.

Arenado’s early years with the Cardinals justified the investment. His 2022 season was a high point, as he hit .293 with 30 home runs, finished third in National League MVP voting and posted a 7.9 bWAR — even surpassing his MVP-winning teammate that season. Since then, however, his production has declined. Over the past three years, Arenado has totaled just six bWAR while earning $102 million, a portion of which was still subsidized by the Rockies.

St. Louis explored trade options last winter and came close to dealing Arenado to Houston before he exercised his no-trade clause. He ultimately approved a move to the Arizona Diamondbacks, a deal that looks far more favorable for Arizona than most recent free-agent contracts. While $42 million remains on Arenado’s deal through the 2027 season, the Diamondbacks are responsible for only a small fraction of that total — roughly $5 million this year and $6 million next year — making the financial risk relatively modest.

From a performance standpoint, projections still see Arenado as a useful contributor, even if he is no longer the elite force he once was. His expected value compares favorably to several far more expensive third-base signings this winter, especially given Arizona’s need for stability and experience at the position.

His arrival also reshapes the Diamondbacks’ defensive alignment. Arenado’s presence reduces pressure on younger infielders such as Blaze Alexander and Jordan Lawlar, both of whom have limited experience at third base. It potentially allows greater flexibility across the roster while giving younger players the opportunity to learn from one of the most decorated defenders in baseball history.

The trade package heading back to St. Louis centered on pitching prospect Jack Martinez, an eighth-round pick whose long-term outlook remains uncertain. Historically, players selected in that range rarely develop into impact major leaguers, making the acquisition cost relatively low for Arizona.

Following the deal, Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen spoke at length with the media about what Arenado brings to the organization. Hazen emphasized the immediate defensive upgrade, the positive effect Arenado’s glove will have on the pitching staff, and the value of adding a veteran presence to a young, developing roster. He also highlighted Arenado’s leadership, preparation and desire to win as key reasons the team pursued him.

Hazen downplayed concerns about Arenado’s offensive decline, expressing confidence in his ability to adjust and rebound in a more hitter-friendly ballpark. He made clear that Arizona does not need Arenado to carry the lineup, instead valuing his consistency, defense and influence in the clubhouse.

The move, Hazen explained, is part of a broader effort to stabilize multiple areas of the roster rather than a single all-in pivot. While bullpen upgrades and positional flexibility remain priorities, the addition of Arenado strengthens the foundation as the Diamondbacks continue to balance youth, competition and veteran experience heading into the new season.