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 a prominent American professional baseball third baseman, currently playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. He debuted in MLB with the Colorado Rockies in 2013 before being traded to the Cardinals in 2021. Arenado is celebrated as an exceptional defensive player, particularly at third base. Notably, he is the only infielder to win the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in each of his first ten MLB seasons, underscoring his consistent defensive excellence.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2009: Drafted by Colorado Rockies

In 2009, the Colorado Rockies selected Nolan Arenado in the second round (59th overall) of the MLB draft. He then signed with the Rockies.

2010: Played for Asheville Tourists

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

2011: Ranked as Rockies' third-best prospect

Before the 2011 season, Nolan Arenado was ranked as the Rockies' third-best prospect and 80th overall by Baseball America.

2011: Led the minor leagues in RBI

In 2011, Nolan Arenado led the minor leagues in RBI with 155 over 163 games.

2013: Promoted to Major League Club

In 2013, after a strong spring training showing, Nolan Arenado was promoted to the major league club, the Colorado Rockies, after starting the season with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

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.

2015: Leads all major leaguers in RBIs

Since the start of the 2015 season, Nolan Arenado has led all major leaguers in runs batted in (RBIs).

January 15, 2016: Avoids salary arbitration

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

2016: Youngest Rockies player to reach 100 home runs

In 2016, Nolan Arenado became the youngest player in Rockies franchise history to reach 100 home runs.

January 13, 2017: Avoids arbitration for the second straight year

On January 13, 2017, Nolan Arenado and the Rockies avoided arbitration for the second straight year by agreeing to a two-year, $29.5 million contract.

March 22, 2017: Team USA wins World Baseball Classic

On March 22, 2017, Nolan Arenado's Team USA won the World Baseball Classic 8–0 against Puerto Rico, marking the first time the United States won the WBC.

June 18, 2017: Hits for the Cycle

On June 18, 2017, Nolan Arenado hit for the cycle against the San Francisco Giants, completing the feat with a walk-off home run.

2017: First Major Leaguer to Reach 100 RBI

In 2017, Nolan Arenado became the first major leaguer to reach 100 RBI for the third year in a row.

February 26, 2019: Agreed to contract extension with the Rockies

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

July 1, 2022: Second time Hitting for the Cycle

On July 1, 2022, Nolan Arenado hit for the cycle for the second time in his career.

July 2, 2022: Hit first of four consecutive home runs

On July 2, 2022, Nolan Arenado hit the first of four consecutive home runs for the Cardinals against the Phillies, the 11th such occurrence in major league history. Teammates Nolan Gorman, Juan Yepez and Dylan Carlson followed with home runs against starter Kyle Gibson. Arenado also won the game in the ninth inning with his second home run, which was the 5,000th at bat of his career.