How Nolan Arenado built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Nolan Arenado is a professional baseball third baseman currently playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. He debuted in MLB with the Colorado Rockies in 2013 and is renowned for his exceptional defensive skills. Arenado is highly regarded as one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball history and stands out as the only infielder to win the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in each of his first ten MLB seasons. He was traded to the Cardinals prior to the 2021 season.
2009: Drafted by the Colorado Rockies
In 2009, Nolan Arenado was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the MLB draft. He chose to sign with the Rockies rather than attend ASU, marking the start of his professional baseball career.
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2010: Played for the Asheville Tourists
In 2010, Nolan Arenado played for the Asheville Tourists of the Class A South Atlantic League, where he had a .308 batting average and 41 doubles.
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2011: Focused on improving his defense
In 2011, while playing for the Modesto Nuts, Nolan Arenado worked hard on his defense, improving his footwork and overall defensive skills under the guidance of manager Jerry Weinstein.
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2012: Second All-Star Futures Game Selection
In 2012, playing for the Tulsa Drillers, Nolan Arenado was named to his second All-Star Futures Game, finishing the year with a .285 batting average, 12 home runs, and 56 RBI.
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November 2015: New Agent
As of November 2015, it was reported Nolan Arenado was being represented by Joel Wolfe of Wasserman Media Group.
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January 13, 2017: Avoided arbitration with the Rockies
On January 13, 2017, Nolan Arenado and the Rockies avoided arbitration for the second consecutive year, agreeing to a two-year, $29.5 million contract.
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June 18, 2017: Hit for the Cycle
On June 18, 2017, Nolan Arenado hit for the cycle against the San Francisco Giants, completing it with a walk-off home run in a 7-5 Rockies win. He became the sixth player in MLB history to accomplish this feat.
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2017: Won Gold Medal in World Baseball Classic
In 2017, Nolan Arenado played for the United States national team and helped them win their first gold medal in the World Baseball Classic tournament.
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2018: All-Star Selection and Season Performance
In 2018, Nolan Arenado was voted to start the MLB All-Star Game for the second year in a row. He finished the 2018 season with a .297 batting average, 38 home runs, and 110 RBIs, earning his sixth consecutive Gold Glove and fourth consecutive Silver Slugger. He finished third in MVP voting.
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February 26, 2019: Contract Extension with the Rockies
On February 26, 2019, Nolan Arenado agreed to an eight-year, $260 million contract extension with the Colorado Rockies.
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2019: Career-High Season
In 2019, Nolan Arenado finished the season with career highs in batting average (.315), OBP (.379), fielding percentage (.980), fWAR (5.9), and bWAR (6.7). He won his seventh straight Gold Glove Award and finished sixth in MVP voting.
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2020: Pandemic Season and Gold Glove
During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Nolan Arenado batted .253 with eight home runs. He won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove Award at third base.
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February 1, 2021: Trade to the St. Louis Cardinals
On February 1, 2021, Nolan Arenado was traded from the Colorado Rockies to the St. Louis Cardinals.
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2021: First Season with the Cardinals
In 2021, Nolan Arenado batted .255 with 34 home runs and 105 RBIs in his first season with the St. Louis Cardinals. He won his ninth consecutive Gold Glove Award.
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July 2, 2022: Four Consecutive Home Runs
On July 2, 2022, Nolan Arenado participated in the first of four consecutive home runs hit by the St. Louis Cardinals. He later won the game with his second home run of the game and reached 5,000 career at bats.
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October 29, 2022: Arenado Declines to Opt Out
On October 29, 2022, Nolan Arenado informed the Cardinals that he would not opt out of his contract, ensuring he would remain in St. Louis through the 2027 season.
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2022: Another Stellar Season
In 2022, Nolan Arenado batted .293 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs. He was awarded his tenth consecutive Gold Glove Award and his 5th Silver Slugger, while also being named a finalist for the National League MVP Award.
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April 8, 2023: 300th Career Home Run
On April 8, 2023, Nolan Arenado hit his 300th career home run against Brewers pitcher Eric Lauer.
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2023: Participated in the 2023 World Baseball Classic
In 2023, Nolan Arenado participated in the World Baseball Classic.
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