PHOENIX — Nolan Arenado has spent his entire big league career at third base. The Arizona Diamondbacks are now thinking about giving him some time across the diamond at first base next season.
General manager Mike Hazen said the club has discussed the idea with Arenado, who turns out to be open to it. This is not a full move. Arenado, a 10-time Gold Glove winner with six Platinum Gloves, is still expected to handle most of his innings at third in 2027.
The reasoning is part health and part roster building. At 35, Arenado plays the most physically demanding corner spot on the field, and Hazen indicated the grind of third base has worn on him. Spotting him at first now and then would lighten that load.
It would also widen Arizona’s options this offseason. If Arenado can cover first on some days, the front office has more ways to add another bat, depending on which hitters are available on the market.
Arenado has never played an inning in the field at any position other than third. He has floated the idea of heading to winter ball for the first time to get comfortable at the new spot, Hazen said.
Arizona landed Arenado last offseason in a trade that sent minor league pitcher Jack Martinez to St. Louis, and the deal paid off. Arenado had his best year since 2022, hitting .255 with a .331 on-base percentage and a .475 slugging mark across 152 games, with 30 home runs and 86 RBIs. The Diamondbacks still finished just short of the postseason.
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