PHOENIX — As news broke that the Arizona Diamondbacks had landed All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals, the move quickly became a definitive statement.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!One that the Diamondbacks can continue to capitalize on this offseason, with a potential reunion in the desert.
Aug 16, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (46) celebrates with third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Acquiring a star like Arenado makes it clear that Arizona does not view 2026 as a rebuilding year, but rather as a competitive one. Retaining Ketel Marte already hinted at that direction, but adding an All-Star third baseman to an already power-hitting core removes any doubt about where the organization is headed.
Now, the move may have opened the door to acquiring a former Diamondbacks cornerstone: Paul Goldschmidt.
Apr 4, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) hits a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
A free agent after spending six seasons with the Cardinals and the 2025 season with the New York Yankees, Goldschmidt remains a Valley icon. His departure from Arizona in 2018 symbolized the end of an era, but with Arenado now in the mix, Goldschmidt could see an opportunity not only to reunite with his former team but also with a longtime teammate who helped define an era in St. Louis.
Adding both former Cardinals would provide stability at the corners of the infield — areas that lacked clarity amid injuries and shifting roster needs. Gold Glove winners in their own right, Arenado and Goldschmidt bring proven chemistry that could pay immediate and long-term dividends.
Jul 2, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (left) and third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) and second baseman Nolan Gorman (16) and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (46) look on during a Cardinals pitching change against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not just their defense, but their bats as well. While Arenado experienced a down year in 2025, his body of work still places him among the league’s elite hitters. Goldschmidt continues to offer a blend of power, contact and timely production in key moments.
With three All-Stars already at the top of the Diamondbacks’ lineup, adding two more behind them would make the offense even more difficult for opposing pitchers.
Sep 15, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) throws out Cincinnati Reds third baseman Santiago Espinal (not pictured) at first base in the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images
Arizona already features a young, athletic core that has proven it can make deep postseason runs. Adding accomplished veterans would further reinforce the roster, creating a balanced mix of youth and experience.
The Arenado trade has the baseball world talking, placing the Diamondbacks back in the national spotlight as they increasingly become a destination for top-tier talent — similar to last year’s acquisition that drew attention when Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes signed with Arizona.
Sep 30, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) follows through on a single against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning of game one of the Wildcard round of the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Now could be the ideal time to build on that momentum by adding another elite player and a long-time fan favorite who continues to display discipline and high-level performance.
This wouldn’t be a move driven by nostalgia, but by the value of immediate chemistry and familiarity within the clubhouse.
Welcome to Arizonado pic.twitter.com/xJGtBg28vh
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) January 13, 2026
The Diamondbacks appear poised to contend. The question now is whether they are ready to fully commit and go all in.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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