So, you’re looking for the final score, right? Honestly, I’ll just give it to you straight: nobody won the dbacks game today because there wasn’t a game at all. It’s mid-January. If you’re seeing guys in Diamondbacks jerseys running around a diamond today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, they’re probably just lost or doing some very early individual workouts at Salt River Fields.
But here’s the thing—Arizona actually pulled off a massive "W" today that didn't involve a scoreboard. While the rest of the league is basically hibernating until pitchers and catchers report next month, Mike Hazen just shook the entire MLB landscape.
The Arizona Diamondbacks just landed Nolan Arenado.
Yeah, you read that correctly. The 10-time Gold Glove winner is coming back to the NL West. Even though the "who won the dbacks game today" search usually leads to a box score, today it leads to a blockbuster trade that changes everything for the 2026 season.
The Blockbuster: How Arizona won the dbacks game today without a pitch
In a move that caught most of the baseball world off guard this morning, the Diamondbacks finalized a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire Arenado. If you’re wondering what it cost, the price was surprisingly low in terms of players: minor league right-handed pitcher Jack Martinez.
Martinez was the team's 8th-round pick out of Arizona State just last year. Giving up a young arm is always a gamble, but for a guy with Arenado's resume? It’s a steal.
The real "win" here isn't just the player; it's the math. St. Louis is sending $31 million along with Arenado to cover a huge chunk of his remaining contract. Arizona is reportedly only responsible for about $5 million of his salary this year. That is basically pocket change for a future Hall of Famer.
Why this matters right now
- The Hot Corner is fixed: Since Eugenio Suárez left, third base has been a bit of a question mark. Arenado settles that instantly.
- Veteran Presence: This team is young. Corbin Carroll and Geraldo Perdomo are stars, but having a guy who has seen everything in the NL West is massive.
- The Dodgers factor: Let's be real—the Dodgers are always the mountain. You don't beat them by standing still in January.
Is Arenado still "that guy"?
There’s always a "but," isn't there? The reason people are debating who won the dbacks game today (the trade game, anyway) is that Nolan isn't 25 anymore. He’s 34, turning 35 in April.
Last season in St. Louis wasn't his best. He hit .237 with 12 homers. Those aren't exactly "MVP Nolan" numbers. Some scouts think his bat speed is slowing down. Others say he was just miserable on a rebuilding Cardinals team and needs a change of scenery.
If he hits even .260 with 20 homers and plays his usual legendary defense, this is a massive upgrade for Arizona. Even a "declining" Arenado is usually better than most third basemen in the league. Plus, he has always loved hitting in the desert.
What happens next?
Since the regular season doesn't actually start until March 26 against the Dodgers, you won’t see Arenado in a real box score for a while. However, the schedule for 2026 is already out, and things are going to get interesting quickly.
- Spring Training: The first actual game (the kind with a score) happens on February 20, 2026. They'll be playing the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields.
- The Debut: Arenado will likely make his Cactus League debut a few days after that.
- Opening Day: Mark your calendars for March 26. It’s a road game in LA, and it’s going to be electric.
The Verdict on Today
While fans were searching for a score, the front office was scoring points. By landing Arenado for a single prospect and getting the Cardinals to pay the bills, the Diamondbacks effectively won the day.
They filled a hole at third base, added a leader to the clubhouse, and did it without blowing the budget. It's a calculated risk, sure. If Nolan is truly "washed," then they lost a decent pitching prospect for nothing. But if he has one or two more "vintage" years left in the tank? This is the kind of move that puts a team back in the World Series conversation.
Keep an eye on the roster moves over the next week. Rumor has it Hazen isn't done yet, especially with the bullpen still needing some veteran arms.
Next Steps for D-backs Fans:
- Check the official MLB shop for the new #28 (or whatever number he picks) jerseys; they'll be flying off the shelves.
- Set an alert for February 10, which is when pitchers and catchers are expected to report to Scottsdale.
- Review the 2026 schedule to grab tickets for the home opener on March 30 against Detroit.