The St. Louis Cardinals finalized their offseason adjustments on Tuesday by striking a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, sending third baseman Nolan Arenado back to the National League West. In this trade, the Cardinals received right-handed pitching prospect Jack Martinez along with cash considerations exceeding $30 million.
As is customary with significant trades, I am here to provide insights on every player involved. Below, you will find evaluations of both teams concerning the deal, complete with letter grades to summarize each team’s performance.
Trade Overview
- Diamondbacks Receive: 3B Nolan Arenado, $31 million in cash
- Cardinals Receive: RHP Jack Martinez
Diamondbacks Grade: A
The acquisition of Arenado, 34, who has been an eight-time All-Star with an impressive defensive record, is a strategic move for the Diamondbacks. Despite being past his peak, Arenado’s presence at third base is expected to enhance Arizona’s defensive capabilities after a disappointing showing last season.
Cardinals Grade: A
Chaim Bloom, at the helm for the Cardinals, has impressively managed ownership’s expectations. This trade continues his trend of sending veteran talent while including cash to maximize returns, which has resulted in acquiring valuable prospects like Jack Martinez.
Conclusion
Both teams seem to have benefited from this trade. For the Diamondbacks, Arenado’s defensive abilities present a tool they desperately need, while the Cardinals gain a prospect with potential upside, allowing them to invest in a future player development strategy.
