Nolan Arenado offered to play first base for Diamondbacks

Nolan Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glover at third base, approached the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason about playing first base if needed, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.

The idea is not to move Arenado off third base entirely but give the D-backs more flexibility. Plus, first base can be less physically demanding than third base, which could help preserve the soon-to-be-36-year-old.

Arenado played a sound third base last season, not to the level that had defined him earlier in his career but still with moments of brilliance. He finished with two outs above average at third base and logged the sixth-most innings at the hot corner in Major League Baseball.

His bat, meanwhile, was essential to the lineup.

The veteran hit 30 home runs for the first time since 2022, closing the year with an .806 OPS. Arenado led the D-backs in home runs and RBIs.

First base was an issue for most of the season for the D-backs, as they finished last in MLB in OPS from first basemen at .636.

The plan to have Carlos Santana and Pavin Smith play there crumbled quickly when both suffered injuries early on, and Arizona needed utility players Ildemaro Vargas, Tim Tawa and Jose Fernandez to take the bulk of the reps.

Tawa’s solid second half saved the Diamondbacks from having one of the least productive first base seasons in baseball history.

As for third base, Fernandez received the next most playing time at the position after Arenado, while Tawa and Vargas took reps, as well.

The Diamondbacks could use another bat or two from outside the organization, ideally left-handed hitters who can help an offense coming off a rough season against righties.

Arenado debuted in 2013 and has won the Platinum Glove for baseball’s best overall defender six times.

He is one of the greatest defensive third basemen of all time and a potential Hall of Famer. Arenado has never played anywhere except third base both as a major leaguer and a minor leaguer before that.

His willingness to move around even to a limited degree could add some options to Arizona’s offseason plans.

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