Overview
- Arenado told USA TODAY he declined a proposed move to the Astros because Kyle Tucker had been traded and Alex Bregman was not returning, leaving him unsure of the club’s direction.
- The Cardinals traded him to Arizona on January 13, with St. Louis covering $31 million of the $42 million left on his deal as the Diamondbacks sent pitching prospect Jack Martinez.
- After a 2025 downturn marked by a .237 average, 12 home runs and a .666 OPS across 107 games, he acknowledged injuries that included a right shoulder strain and a finger issue.
- He said he feels much more relaxed in Arizona and expects to perform on both sides of the ball, calling the Diamondbacks’ order a top-10 lineup he believes he can enhance.
- He plans to use the upcoming World Baseball Classic with Puerto Rico to sharpen his game before the 2026 season.