PHOENIX — When newly acquired Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado found out he was being traded to the desert, he was in shock.

Not necessarily because of where he landed, but because of how long the process took and for it to finally come to an end.

Sep 21, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) salutes the fans after he was ceremonially removed before the start of the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

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The Diamondbacks made waves on Tuesday by acquiring a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and All-Star to man the hot corner. Arenado said Arizona was one of the first teams to show interest in him.

Without a third baseman after trading Eugenio Suárez at the trade deadline in the middle of last season, general manager Mike Hazen aimed to solidify the corners of the infield and build around second baseman Ketel Marte — who was also slated to be on the trade block before the organization ultimately decided to keep him.

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

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Arenado, entering his 14th season in the major leagues, fit what the front office believed the team needed. It wasn’t just the front office that believed it, but also the third baseman himself, who feels he can bring his veteran expertise to help the Snakes succeed.

The All-Star agreed to waive his no-trade clause to become a D-Back.

“I love the way they play the game,” he said, according to Arizona Sports. “I expanded my list, and they were one of the teams I expanded from last year. I put them on this year… They play hard. They’re young, but I feel like I could really help this team win ball games and contribute… It was kind of a no-brainer for me, so I was really excited about it.”

Sep 20, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits a one run single against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

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With success have also come tough moments for Arenado. Through shoulder injuries that sidelined him, he struggled to rediscover his All-Star form. Just last year, he posted career lows in several categories, including batting average (.237), on-base percentage (.289) and OPS (.666).

However, the commitment to his new team has already been felt. The third baseman revealed he has already contacted the D-Backs’ hitting coaches to address possible fixes so he can continue to contribute the way he once did.

May 28, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) points to the fans after hitting a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

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“I still have high expectations for myself on the offensive side, on both sides of the ball,” said Arenado to Arizona Sports. “I expect to go out there and help this team win on both sides… I know the last few years haven’t gone the way I wanted. Obviously, dealt with some injuries, different things, but I think some of the adjustments I’m trying to make and the adjustments I’ve talked to the hitting coaches already about, I think they’re gonna pay dividends down the line here.”

iJul 24, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Arenado’s early communication with the Diamondbacks’ leadership is a sign of a player ready to give his best to the team. Despite not knowing where he might land and with other teams expressing interest, he is already showing why the trade could be a positive move for Arizona. He is focused on improving and fixing issues that hindered him before, hoping to turn things around and help lead the team to success.

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Engagement this early, immediately after being traded, is crucial and speaks to Arenado’s character.

On a team with young players and a recent postseason run, Arenado will stand out, but for the right reasons. As both a slugger and a contact hitter, he aims to mesh with the lineup by creating run production.

“Obviously, being on a lineup with this group of players is gonna be great,” he said. “These guys could all really run. They can steal and hopefully get in scoring position. If I could do my job, I don’t see why I can’t be driving these guys in.”

The Diamondbacks didn’t just acquire a need at third base, but a veteran leader ready to play his heart out for the Valley.

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*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde