Nolan Arenado trade does not disqualify D-backs from Paul Goldschmidt reunion

The Arizona Diamondbacks addressed a need for a right-handed hitting corner infielder by trading for third baseman Nolan Arenado on Tuesday, but that does not disqualify them from adding another bat.

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported that the Diamondbacks’ acquisition of Arenado does not end their chances at reuniting with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who was teammates with Arenado for four years in St. Louis and previously with Team USA.

No this does not rule out Goldschmidt – could still happen. https://t.co/dvNiIxTANf

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 13, 2026

In 2023, Cardinals reporter John Denton for MLB.com wrote that Arenado and Goldschmidt were “inseparable,” with Arenado calling Goldschmidt the “smartest baseball player I’ve ever played with.”

MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Wednesday that Goldschmidt texted him praising the Arenado move.

Paul Goldschmidt put his stamp of approval on the Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado trade, he texted @SteveGilbertMLB.

Could Goldschmidt and Arenado reunite in Arizona? pic.twitter.com/KgrZss7hbh

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) January 14, 2026

The Diamondbacks traded pitching prospect Jack Martinez to St. Louis for Arenado, and the Cardinals are eating most of the contract. Arizona is on the hook for $5 million in 2026, giving the club some flexibility. It is a low-risk addition for Arizona to bring in a strong defender at third base, veteran leader and bounce-back candidate offensively.

After the trade, general manager Mike Hazen said, “ We’re going to continue to look at the offense and the lineup in ways, whether first base, (designated hitter), but I’m not 100% certain that we’re gonna land down on any of those spots. … We’ll see, I’m trying to build out as much competition as I can early in the year.”

Goldschmidt has been tied to the Diamondbacks this offseason for a few reasons.

Like Arenado, he is no longer a star player at a star cost. At 38 years old, he may be more fit as a platoon option against left-handed pitching. He hit .336 with a .981 OPS against southpaws last season as a member of the New York Yankees.

That is where he could slide into Arizona’s lineup, platooning with Pavin Smith at first base or filling in at designated hitter.

Arizona’s other first baseman, 25-year-old Tyler Locklear, had shoulder and elbow surgeries this offseason, and it is unclear when he would make his season debut. Gambadoro reported earlier this offseason that Locklear could be ready by the end of spring training and miss only a month of the season.

His first cup of coffee with the D-backs did not go well, but he has power and was the top prospect acquired in Arizona’s trade of Eugenio Suarez to Seattle.

There’s utility players Ildemaro Vargas (not 40-man) and Tim Tawa, who are not first basemen but filled in admirably over the final three weeks. Backup catcher Adrian Del Castillo played one game at first base in winter ball but has not made his stateside debut at the position yet. He, like Smith, is a left-handed bat who could platoon against righties, more likely at DH.

Adding Goldschmidt would inject more veteran leadership to the clubhouse and a stable hand at first base, although it would soak up a roster spot that younger players could compete for.

Let’s build it out (with Goldschmidt involved):

C: Gabriel Moreno, James McCann
1B: Pavin Smith, Paul Goldschmidt
2B: Ketel Marte
3B: Nolan Arenado
SS: Geraldo Perdomo
OF: Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas
UTL: Blaze Alexander, Jordan Lawlar

That leaves two spots left for Del Castillo, Locklear (when healthy), Tawa and Jorge Barrosa, not including non-roster invitees like Vargas or several prospects, along with Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who is rehabbing from a torn ACL. Several Diamondbacks prospects to watch for in 2026 are right-handed, like Ryan Waldschmidt, Tommy Troy and LuJames Groover.

Injuries happen that create opportunities, and the fit is clear for the Opening Day roster. The Diamondbacks will get players back from the injured list throughout the year (Gurriel, Corbin Burnes, A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez). Staying competitive in the first half and getting better as the season progresses has been a way to look at 2026.

Pitching needs will likely take a priority, though.

Arizona’s payroll is at a projected $170 million, per FanGraphs, inching toward its $188 million mark from 2025 ($216 million with the tax) that it is not expected to reach. And the club still needs to add bullpen help.

That doesn’t mean both cannot happen, as spring training remains weeks away and the Diamondbacks have gotten quite a bit done in the aftermath of taking Ketel Marte off the trade market.

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