Diamondbacks Star Arenado Calls Lineup 'Top-10' in MLB

Eight-time All-Star aims to rebound with new club in 2026 season

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:15am

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are entering the 2026 MLB season with heightened expectations after acquiring star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals. Arenado, an eight-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger, believes the D-Backs lineup is already a 'top-10' unit in the league and is excited to help the team push deeper into National League contention.

Why it matters

Arenado's arrival in Arizona signals the organization's commitment to winning now, as they parted with a top pitching prospect to acquire the elite talent. His confidence in the lineup and desire to rebound from a down 2025 season have energized the Diamondbacks' fan base and raised expectations for the team's 2026 campaign.

The details

The Diamondbacks finalized the trade for Arenado on January 13, 2026, with the St. Louis Cardinals agreeing to send $31 million to help offset the remaining two years and $42 million on his contract. Arenado, who hit .237 with 12 home runs and a .666 OPS in 107 games last season, is aiming to rebound and help make the D-Backs lineup one of the best in MLB.

  • The Diamondbacks finalized the trade for Nolan Arenado on January 13, 2026.
  • Arenado is preparing for his first season with the Diamondbacks in 2026.

The players

Nolan Arenado

An eight-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger, Arenado is an elite third baseman who the Diamondbacks acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals to strengthen their lineup.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The MLB team that acquired Nolan Arenado in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, signaling their commitment to winning now and raising expectations for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“I know I've had a couple of tough years, but this team believes in what I can do. And that's helped me get me excited for the confidence they have in me. It's already a top-10 lineup, and I think I can make it better.”

— Nolan Arenado

“I'm hopeful that they can bring out the best of me.”

— Nolan Arenado

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will look to Arenado to help lead the team to a deeper playoff run in the 2026 season after acquiring him in the offseason.

The takeaway

Nolan Arenado's arrival in Arizona has energized the Diamondbacks' fan base and raised expectations for the team's 2026 campaign. His confidence in the lineup and desire to rebound from a down year signal that the D-Backs are poised to be a force in the National League.