Nolan Arenado’s journey in Major League Baseball is nothing short of a rollercoaster, and his return to the NL West with the Arizona Diamondbacks is a moment that’s both nostalgic and thrilling. But here’s where it gets emotional: after nearly a decade of highs and lows, Arenado is stepping back into a division where he first made his mark, yet the landscape has changed dramatically. Will he dominate once again, or will the new challenges prove too steep? Let’s dive in.
Scottsdale, Arizona — Nolan Arenado’s story began when the Colorado Rockies drafted him in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft. His MLB debut on April 28, 2013, marked the start of a career that would be defined by both brilliance and controversy. Over eight years with the Rockies, Arenado amassed an impressive résumé: eight Gold Gloves, four Platinum Gloves, four Silver Sluggers, five All-Star appearances, and two playoff runs. His offensive and defensive prowess became the stuff of legend, leaving fans in awe with every play. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. And this is the part most people miss: after a bitter public feud with the Rockies’ front office in 2020, Arenado was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in February 2021, just two years after signing a record-breaking eight-year, $260 million contract extension. Talk about a plot twist!
In St. Louis, Arenado continued to shine, adding two more Gold Gloves, another Silver Slugger, and three more All-Star appearances to his collection. Yet, after a disappointing 2025 season for both him and the Cardinals, he found himself on the move again, this time to the Arizona Diamondbacks. This trade marked his return to the NL West, a division he knows all too well.
‘I’m really excited about [returning to the NL West],’ Arenado shared. ‘I know the division inside and out, but there are so many new faces—players and pitchers alike. The ballparks, though? Those feel like home. I grew up in this division, so adjusting should be second nature.’
True to form, Arenado is setting the bar high for himself and his new team. ‘This team is really good,’ he said. ‘Their offense was already Top-10 without me, but I think I can take it to another level. I’m making some adjustments to get back to playing the way I know I can. I keep my goals to myself, but trust me, they’re hefty. That’s just how I’m wired.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: while Arenado is laser-focused on the future, he can’t help but look back fondly on his time in Colorado. ‘The group of players I started with—Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki, Dustin Morneau—they were incredible,’ he recalled. ‘Then there were guys like Carlos González, Trevor Story, Charlie Blackmon, and DJ LeMahieu. When I see the current roster, I’m like, ‘Who are these guys?’ It’s a totally different era.’
‘Looking back, that team was something special,’ he continued. ‘Even now, when I talk to players from other teams, they’re like, ‘Man, your lineup was a nightmare to face.’ And they’re right. That was probably one of the best offenses I’ve ever been a part of.’
Despite the years that have passed, Arenado still stays in touch with many of his former teammates, including Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela, who were young pitchers during his time in Colorado. ‘I always say hi to ‘Free’ and ‘Senza,’ he said. ‘They mean a lot to me. They were so young and talented, and I wish them nothing but success. And I talk to Charlie Blackmon all the time. DJ LeMahieu? Almost every day. Story too. We still trash talk like old times.’
But here’s the part that might surprise you: Arenado’s connections in the baseball world run deeper than just his former teammates. He and new Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer go way back to their Double-A days with the Tulsa Drillers. ‘I was young and probably a pain back then,’ Arenado admitted with a laugh. ‘But Schaeff and I got along great because we both loved to work. He was always taking ground balls, even when he wasn’t starting. That’s the kind of guy he is—he shows up to work.’
Schaeffer, too, has nothing but praise for Arenado. ‘Watching him play back then was a treat,’ he said. ‘He was the young kid coming up, and I was the old guy on the bench. But his work ethic? Unmatched. He was the first player I ever saw who outworked even me, and that’s why he’s a future Hall of Famer. He’s unbelievable—probably my favorite baseball player ever.’
As Arenado enters what could be the final stages of his career, the Hall of Fame conversation is inevitable. But he’s not letting that distract him. ‘Being in the conversation is great, but I’m focused on this season with the Diamondbacks,’ he said. ‘I’ve got high expectations for this team and for myself. We’ll cross that Hall of Fame bridge when we get there.’
But what’s a Nolan Arenado profile without his defensive highlights? His jaw-dropping plays have become the stuff of legend, and when asked to name his favorites, he doesn’t disappoint. From gravity-defying dives to laser-accurate throws, Arenado’s defensive gems are a testament to his unparalleled skill.
So, here’s the big question: As Arenado returns to the NL West, will he reclaim his throne as one of the division’s most dominant players? Or will the new challenges and rivalries write a different story? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the discussion respectful and engaging!
