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Cardinals Trade Arenado: Who Won the Deal?
18 Apr
Summary
- Cardinals traded Nolan Arenado and cash to Arizona.
- Cardinals received pitcher Jack Martinez in return.
- Arenado and Gorman are struggling offensively but excelling defensively.
The St. Louis Cardinals' recent trade of veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Arizona Diamondbacks, along with $31 million towards his contract, is under scrutiny. The Cardinals acquired 23-year-old pitcher Jack Martinez, who is currently performing well in Class-A. However, the main objective of the deal was to open up third base for Nolan Gorman and reduce payroll.
Gorman has taken a significant defensive step, ranking in the 91st percentile for outs above average, surpassing Arenado's 15th percentile. Offensively, Gorman is slashing .208/.290/.321 with two homers and nine RBIs. Meanwhile, Arenado has struggled in Arizona, with a .206/.215/.317 slash line and two homers, while his defense has also declined to -1 outs above average.
Despite Arenado's personal struggles, the Diamondbacks are still experiencing team success. The Cardinals' strategy to offload veterans and associated costs appears to be succeeding in their rebuild. This move has, in turn, highlighted the defensive prowess of Gorman and the unexpected struggles of the former Gold Glove winner.
