Lance Lynn, formerly a key pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, openly criticized the recent trade involving Nolan Arenado, calling the deal unfavorable for the Cardinals. He believes the team sacrificed too much financial commitment for merely one prospect from the Arizona Diamondbacks, expressing clear frustration over the terms of the trade.
This transaction saw Arenado, an eight-time All-Star third baseman with 10 Gold Gloves, moved to the Diamondbacks along with cash considerations. In return, the Cardinals received Jack Martinez, a right-handed pitching prospect chosen in the eighth round of the 2025 MLB Draft. The Cardinals agreed to pay roughly $31 million of Arenado’s remaining two-year, $42 million contract, while Arizona is responsible for $11 million over the same period.
Lynn Details Why the Trade Feels One-Sided
During his appearance on the Cardinals Territory broadcast, Lynn did not hesitate to express his dissatisfaction with how much money the Cardinals had to give up. He emphasized the risk involved in accepting a low-round prospect as compensation for such a high-profile player while absorbing the majority of the salary.
“I think that was what I might’ve sent to the group. And here’s why. I hate the amount of money that was given up for one prospect who was drafted in the eighth round last year. It’s a big what-if. Arizona got Nolan Arenado for $11 million over the next two years. I just, that was what I hated. I think that, on their end, it’s like, ‘Hey, we’re giving up a prospect that we haven’t even really seen pitch yet for Nolan Arenado and only paying him, what, six and five million.’”
Lynn’s comments highlight the gamble the Cardinals took by acquiring Jack Martinez, whose future performance remains uncertain. However, Lynn also acknowledges the Cardinals’ struggle to find a trade partner for Arenado earlier due to the player’s no-trade clause, which limited the team’s flexibility throughout the previous offseason.
Background on the Cardinals and Diamondbacks Trade Negotiations
Nolan Arenado’s no-trade clause significantly constrained the Cardinals’ ability to move him last year, which led to a missed opportunity involving the Houston Astros, as Arenado rejected that trade. At 34 years old, Arenado battled injuries last season, including a problematic shoulder, which contributed to a disappointing performance. Appearing in 107 games, he posted a .237 batting average with 12 home runs, well below expectations for the star third baseman.
The Diamondbacks, on the other hand, pursued Arenado to strengthen their third base position following the departure of Eugenio Suárez. Arizona’s willingness to cover $11 million of Arenado’s contract made the deal financially appealing from their perspective, giving them a high-caliber player for a relatively modest payroll commitment.
Cardinals’ Roster Strategy Moving Forward
With Arenado traded, the Cardinals appear focused on revamping their roster, pivoting towards younger talent and reducing veteran payroll expenses. This approach is consistent with their recent strategy of building for the future by acquiring promising prospects and shedding high-salary veterans.
The financial and player personnel decisions made in the Arenado trade will likely have lasting effects on the franchise’s trajectory, as they balance immediate competitiveness against long-term growth.
Impact of the Trade on MLB and Player Markets
This trade has stirred heated debate across baseball circles, especially around the valuation of established stars versus prospects. Nolan Arenado’s move to Arizona adds significant firepower to their lineup, while the Cardinals bet on unproven talent to reshape their team foundation.
Meanwhile, other MLB teams remain active in the trade market with moves involving players like Framber Valdez and Freddy Peralta, reflecting a league-wide trend of roster adjustments and salary management.
