Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nolan Arenado

How Nolan Arenado built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Nolan Arenado is an American professional baseball third baseman, currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, having won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in each of his first ten MLB seasons, a feat unmatched by any other infielder. Arenado debuted with the Colorado Rockies in 2013 before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 2021 season. With the Cardinals, he formed a formidable infield partnership with Paul Goldschmidt, with both players becoming finalists for the National League MVP Award in 2022. In January 2026, Arenado was traded to the Diamondbacks.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2009: Drafted by the Rockies

In 2009, Arenado was selected by the Rockies in the MLB draft.

July 31, 2010: Carlos González hits for the cycle

On July 31, 2010, Carlos González, Arenado's teammate, previously hit for the cycle, which was relevant context for Arenado achieving the same feat later in his career.

2010: Plays for Asheville Tourists

In 2010, Nolan Arenado played for the Asheville Tourists of the Single-A South Atlantic League, achieving a .308 batting average and 41 doubles.

2011: All-Star Futures Game and MVP

In 2011, Nolan Arenado represented the Rockies at the All-Star Futures Game and was named the MVP of the Arizona Fall League (AFL).

2012: All-Star Futures Game Selection

In 2012, Nolan Arenado was named to appear in the All-Star Futures Game for the second time, while playing for the Tulsa Drillers.

2013: Promotion to Major Leagues

Despite starting the 2013 season in Triple-A, Nolan Arenado was promoted to the major league club after batting .364 through April 28 with Colorado Springs.

2013: MLB Debut with the Colorado Rockies

In 2013, Nolan Arenado made his Major League Baseball debut with the Colorado Rockies.

April 5, 2014: First Multi-Home Run Game

On April 5, 2014, Nolan Arenado had the first multi-home run game of his career against Brandon McCarthy of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

November 2015: Agent Change to Joel Wolfe

In November 2015, it was reported that Nolan Arenado changed his agent from Scott Boras to Joel Wolfe of Wasserman Media Group.

2015: First MLB All-Star Selection

In 2015, Nolan Arenado earned his first MLB All-Star selection as a National League reserve.

January 15, 2016: Avoids Salary Arbitration

On January 15, 2016, Nolan Arenado and the Rockies avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract for $5 million.

2016: Vin Scully Autographs Arenado's Bat

In 2016, during Vin Scully's last season broadcasting and final series of calling Dodgers' home games, he autographed the bat that Nolan Arenado used to hit his 40th home run.

January 13, 2017: Arenado avoids arbitration with the Rockies

On January 13, 2017, Arenado and the Rockies avoided arbitration for the second straight year by agreeing to a two-year, $29.5 million contract. He received $11,750,000 for 2017 followed by $17,750,000 during the 2018 season.

June 18, 2017: First Career Cycle

On June 18, 2017, Nolan Arenado hit for the cycle for the first time.

2017: Arenado's 2017 Season Highlights

In 2017, Arenado achieved several milestones, including reaching 100 RBI for the third year in a row, being ejected from a game for throwing his bat, and becoming the first third baseman and Rockies player to drive in 125 runs in three consecutive seasons. He also made his first postseason appearance in the NL Wild Card Game.

2017: World Baseball Classic Gold Medal

In 2017, Nolan Arenado helped Team USA win their first World Baseball Classic gold medal.

2018: Arenado's standout 2018 season

In 2018, Arenado was voted to start the MLB All-Star Game for the second year in a row. He finished the 2018 campaign with impressive stats, including a .297 batting average, 38 home runs, and 110 RBIs. He also won his sixth consecutive Gold Glove and fourth consecutive Silver Slugger, and finished third in MVP voting.

February 26, 2019: Arenado agrees to contract extension with Rockies

On February 26, 2019, Arenado agreed to an eight-year, $260 million contract extension with the Rockies.

2019: Arenado's successful 2019 season

Arenado finished the 2019 season with career-highs in several categories, including batting average, OBP, and fielding percentage. He also won his seventh straight Gold Glove Award and his third straight Platinum Glove Award, finishing sixth in the MVP voting.

2020: Arenado's 2020 season

In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Arenado batted .253/.303/.434 with eight home runs and 26 RBIs in 48 games. He won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove Award at third base, tying Scott Rolen for the third-most Gold Gloves at the position.

February 1, 2021: Arenado Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals

On February 1, 2021, the St. Louis Cardinals acquired Arenado from the Rockies along with $51 million in exchange for Austin Gomber, Mateo Gil, Tony Locey, Elehuris Montero, and Jake Sommers.

2021: Arenado's 2021 Season with the Cardinals

In 2021, Arenado finished the season batting .255/.312/.494 with 34 home runs and 105 RBIs. Defensively, he led National League third basemen in several categories and won the Gold Glove Award at third base, his ninth consecutive. He chose to remain with the Cardinals after the season.

2021: Trade to the St. Louis Cardinals

In 2021, Nolan Arenado was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.

July 1, 2022: Second Career Cycle

On July 1, 2022, Nolan Arenado hit for the cycle again, finishing with a walk-off home run.

July 2, 2022: Cardinals hit four consecutive home runs

On July 2, 2022, Arenado and his teammates Nolan Gorman, Juan Yepez, and Dylan Carlson hit four consecutive home runs in the first inning against the Phillies. Arenado also hit a walk-off home run in the ninth inning of the same game, marking his 5,000th career at-bat.

October 29, 2022: Arenado chooses to remain with Cardinals

On October 29, 2022, Arenado informed the Cardinals that he would again not opt out of his contract, ensuring he will remain under contract with St. Louis through the 2027 season.

2022: Arenado's 2022 season achievements

In 2022, Arenado finished the season with a .293 batting average, 30 home runs and 103 RBIs. He was awarded his tenth consecutive Gold Glove Award, tying with Ichiro Suzuki for the most consecutive Gold Gloves to start a career. He was also named a finalist for the National League Most Valuable Player Award.

2023: World Baseball Classic Silver Medal

In 2023, Nolan Arenado earned a silver medal in the World Baseball Classic.

2024: Arenado's 2024 season

In 2024, Arenado played in 152 games, but his season was impacted by injuries. He finished with 16 home runs and a .272 average.

June 19, 2025: Arenado hits 350th career home run

On June 19, 2025, Arenado hit his 350th career home run against the Chicago White Sox, becoming the sixth active player to reach 350 home runs and the 7th player to hit 350 home runs while also earning at least 10 Gold Gloves.