ST. LOUIS, MO., January 13, 2026 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have completed a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, acquiring minor league right-handed pitcher Jack Martinez in exchange for third baseman Nolan Arenado and cash considerations.
“We are grateful for Nolan’s five years as a Cardinal, on and off the field -- for his drive, his competitiveness, and for all of the memories he gave us,” stated Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom. “We wish Nolan and his family the very best as he continues with the next chapter of his great career.”
“As we continue to move forward, we are pleased to add another intriguing pitching prospect to our organization, and excited for the opportunity this move creates for a number of our players to step up and further establish themselves at the big league level.”
Martinez, 22, was the Diamondbacks 8th round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft out of Arizona State University.
The 6-4, 215-pound Martinez, who also pitched collegiately at Trinity University (Texas) and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, was 6-4 with a 5.94 ERA in 15 starts for the Sun Devils in 2025, striking out 110 batters over 77.1 innings pitched.
Martinez, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, was a combined 20-8 with a 4.76 ERA in 75 career games (28 starts) as a collegian. He will be making his professional debut in 2026 with the Cardinals.
Arenado, 34, spent five seasons with St. Louis from 2021-25, appearing in three All-Star games. He finished third in the National League Most Valuable Player voting in 2022, helping the Cardinals to an N.L. Central Division title.
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