Diamondbacks in serious trade talks for $275 million All-Star third baseman

Matt Sullivan

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Diamondbacks in serious trade talks for $275 million All-Star third baseman image

The Arizona Diamondbacks have had an interesting offseason with trade rumors this winter. Ketel Marte popped up in talks and was at times considered likely to be traded. But he's likely to stay in Arizona after some weeks of rumors.

And now, the Diamondbacks have been linked to potential third base additions, with Alex Bregman being one they were closely linked to. But he signed with the Chicago Cubs, leaving the Diamondbacks to explore other options.

According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Diamondbacks have seemingly found their alternative to Bregman, as they're in serious trade talks with the St. Louis Cardinals for a $275 million third baseman in Nolan Arenado.

Diamondbacks in serious trade talks for Nolan Arenado

"TRADE NEWS: The Arizona Diamondbacks are in serious discussions to acquire third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals, multiple sources tell The Athletic," Woo reports.

The Diamondbacks adding Arenado to the lineup would be a very interesting trade. While they missed on Bregman, Arenado would be an interesting veteran addition.

He's in the final few years of his $275 million deal, with his 2026 and 2027 salaries (his final years of club control) being for $27 million and $15 million, respectively. It's not cheap for Arenado, but it might not be that bad for the Diamondbacks.

St. Louis might take on some of the money to facilitate a better trade return, but the Diamondbacks, regardless of the money and compensation, would be getting a future Hall of Fame third baseman.

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Arenado has made eight All-Star teams, is a 10-time Gold Glove award winner who also has six Platinum Gloves, and is a five-time Silver Slugger.

He's put up 57.8 bWAR in his 13-year career, along with 992 runs scored, 1,921 hits, 405 doubles, 252 home runs, 1,184 RBIs, and a career OPS of.846.

This past season was far from ideal, as he hit.237 with an OPS of.666, the worst mark of his entire Major League career.

He's regressed a bit over the last few years, but with only two years on his deal left, and the 34-year-old still providing solid defense, he wouldn't be the worst addition for Arizona.

This would be an interesting addition for the Diamondbacks, as Areando is near the end of his big-league career, but could still provide a fun season or two with the Diamondbacks.

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Staff Writer