The Redbirds have been trying to move Arenado for some time now and nearly dealt him to the Houston Astros following the 2024 season. However, Arenado vetoed the deal.
But now the Cardinals in a sell mode having sent both Sonny Gray and Wilson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox. While the Red Sox could use a third baseman, Arenado is probably better off in lower-key place like Phoenix than here in Boston.
Arenado, who turns 35 in April, began his career with the Colorado Rockies where he spent his first 8 MLB seasons. Prior to the 2021 season, the Rockies sent Arenado to the Cardinals for four players including starting pitcher Austin Gomber who didn't exactly set the world afire before being released last August.
While it was a lot to ask Arenado to replicate his offensive numbers in St. Louis which he had at Coors Field, as recently as 2022, he finished third in NL MVP balloting. That same year, Arenado won his 10th consecutive Gold Glove at third base.
Unfortunately, both Arenado's offense and defense have declined over the past several seasons. In 2025, Arenado hit a career low .237 with 12 HR and 52 RBI. A shoulder strain caused him to miss all of August and half of September.
This might be a classic case of Arenado simply needing a change of scenery to enjoy a rebound season. That doesn't necessarily mean hitting 40 HR or earning another Gold Glove. If Arenado hit .280 with 25 HR and 75 RBI, I think the D'Backs would be more than happy with that output.
Arenado is under contract through 2027, and the Cardinals are footing the bill for most of his salary. In the grand scheme of things, this is a fairly low risk acquisition for Arizona. If nothing else, the D'Backs have acquired the services of a future Hall of Famer.
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