Nolan Arenado Career Stats: The Defensive Wizard Who’s Also

Hey there, baseball fans! If you’ve ever watched a game and marveled at a third baseman who makes impossible plays look routine—like diving for a hot grounder, flipping it to first without breaking stride, or robbing a home run with a leap over the wall—chances are, you’re thinking of Nolan Arenado. This guy isn’t just a highlight reel on defense; he’s been a consistent force with the bat too, smashing home runs and driving in runs like it’s his job (which, of course, it is). Born on April 16, 1991, in sunny Newport Beach, California, Nolan’s journey from high school standout to MLB superstar is the kind of story that makes you root for the underdog who turns into a legend.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into Nolan Arenado Career Stats, breaking it down year by year so it’s super easy to follow—no PhD in sabermetrics required. We’ll look at his offensive numbers, his jaw-dropping defense, and the moments that made him a household name. Whether you’re a die-hard Cards fan, reminiscing about his Rockies days, or just curious about one of baseball’s best, grab a hot dog and let’s swing for the fences. By the end, you’ll see why Nolan’s not just stats on a page—he’s the heartbeat of excitement on the diamond.

From California Kid to Rockies Prospect: Nolan’s Early Days

Picture this: A lanky teen in Lake Forest, California, tearing it up at El Toro High School. Nolan grew up in a baseball-loving family—his dad, Fernando, is Cuban, and his mom, Millie, has roots in Cuba and Puerto Rico. He didn’t speak Spanish growing up, but family trips to Cuba later in life connected him to his heritage. Nolan was a shortstop back then, leading his team to a CIF Southern Section championship in his junior year. Scouts drooled over his arm and glove, and he even signed a letter of intent to play at Arizona State University.

But fate had bigger plans. In the 2009 MLB Draft, the Colorado Rockies scooped him up in the second round, 59th overall. They saw a raw talent with Gold Glove potential, even if he was listed as a catcher by some outlets. Nolan turned pro instead of college, starting his minor league grind. It wasn’t all smooth—shoulder injuries slowed him early—but by 2011, he was leading the minors with 155 RBIs across Double-A and Triple-A. Two All-Star Futures Game nods later, and Nolan was knocking on the big league door.

Debuting on April 28, 2013, against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Nolan went 0-for-3. No biggie—his first hit came the next day, followed by his first homer off Josh Wall of the Dodgers. By season’s end, he’d etched his name in history as the second NL rookie third baseman to win a Gold Glove. At 22, Nolan was already proving he belonged.

The Rockies Era: Building a Legacy in the Thin Air of Coors Field

Ah, Coors Field—the hitter’s paradise with its high altitude and dry air that turns fly balls into souvenirs. Nolan spent his first eight seasons (2013-2020) with the Rockies, and boy, did he make the most of it. But here’s the cool part: While the park inflated his power numbers, his defense shone everywhere, earning him universal respect.

Let’s break down his offensive rise. In 2013, Nolan hit .267 with 10 homers—solid rookie stuff. But 2014? He cranked 18 bombs in just 111 games, showing pop. Then came the explosion: 2015 saw 42 home runs and 130 RBIs, leading the NL in both. He tied for seventh in Rookie of the Year voting that year? Nah, that was ’13—by ’15, he was eighth in MVP. Nolan’s bat heated up like a summer in Denver: .294/.362/.570 in 2016 (another RBI and HR lead), peaking at .315 with 41 dingers in 2019.

Defensively? Untouchable. Nolan snagged six straight Gold Gloves (2013-2018), five Silver Sluggers, and four All-Star nods during this stretch. His arm was a cannon—remember that 2017 play where he gunned down a runner from deep right? Or the 2018 cycle against the Giants, capped by a barehanded flip? He led the NL in assists multiple times, with a career fielding percentage hovering around .975 at third. By 2019, Nolan was the face of Rockies baseball, but whispers of wanting a contender grew louder.

The 2020 shortened season was weird for everyone—Nolan hit .253 with 8 HRs amid COVID chaos. Off the field, trade rumors swirled. He felt disrespected in Colorado, and GM Jeff Bridich’s comments didn’t help. Fans loved him, but Nolan craved a shot at October magic.

Trading Purple for Red: Thriving with the St. Louis Cardinals

Enter the St. Louis Cardinals, perennial contenders with a bloody-minded love for baseball. On February 2, 2021, Nolan was traded to the Redbirds in a blockbuster deal that sent prospects and Nolan’s pal Trevor Story vibes packing. He inked an eight-year, $260 million extension right away—sweet home in Busch Stadium.

Nolan’s first Cards year? A smooth .255 with 34 homers and another Gold Glove. But 2022? Vintage Nolan: .293, 30 bombs, 103 RBIs, and MVP-3 voting. He started a new defensive streak, winning his eighth straight Gold Glove. Teammates raved about his leadership—quiet but fierce, like a captain who leads by example.

2023 brought bumps: .266 average, 26 HRs, and his Gold Glove streak snapped at 10 (still a record-tying feat with Brooks Robinson). Injuries nagged, but Nolan bounced back in 2024 with a .272 mark and steady glove work. Heading into 2025 at age 34, he aimed to mentor young guns like Jordan Walker while chasing that elusive World Series ring. As of October 2025, Nolan’s in year four of his deal, still mashing and flashing leather. The Cards missed the playoffs again, but Nolan’s 12 HRs in 107 games show the fire’s not out.

Off the field, Nolan’s a family guy—married to Laura Kwan since 2021, with two kids. He’s visited Cuba, supports youth baseball, and even has a street named after him in Lake Forest: “Nolan Arenado Drive.” Humble roots, big heart.

Nolan Arenado’s Career Batting Stats: Year-by-Year Breakdown

Alright, stats time! Below is a full table of Nolan’s regular season batting stats from 2013 to 2025. I’ve kept it simple: Think of BA as his batting average (hits divided by at-bats), OBP as how often he reaches base (including walks), SLG for power (extra bases from hits), and OPS as the combo punch (higher is better). G is games played, HR home runs, RBI runs batted in—the stuff that wins games. Career totals at the bottom.

This table makes it easy to spot trends: Nolan’s prime in Colorado (2015-2019) was fireworks, while St. Louis brought steadier, park-adjusted production. All data pulled from reliable MLB sources like Baseball-Reference.

See how Nolan’s OPS peaked over .950 in his Colorado heyday? That’s MVP territory. Career-wise, 353 homers put him in elite company for third basemen—think close to Chipper Jones territory. And those 1,174 RBIs? He’s driven in more runners than most active stars since 2015.

Defensive Mastery: Why Nolan’s Glove is Worth the Price of Admission

Nolan’s bat gets the headlines, but his glove? It’s poetry in motion. Ten straight Gold Gloves (2013-2022) tie him with legends like Brooks Robinson. He’s won five Silver Sluggers too, proving he’s no one-trick pony. Fielding percentage? A crisp .975 career at third, with over 4,000 assists—that’s laser throws from the hot corner.

Check this table for his third base fielding stats. Inn is innings, Ch chances (putouts + assists + errors), Fld% his success rate, DRS defensive runs saved (how many runs he prevents), and RF/9 range factor (plays per nine innings). Nolan’s DRS total? 180+ career—only six third basemen ever top that.

Nolan’s range and instincts saved countless runs—his 2020 DRS of 37 in just 48 games? Insane efficiency. Even in 2023, when the streak ended, he was top-5 at third. No wonder he’s called “Nado”—short for tornado, the way he vacuums up grounders.

Awards, Highlights, and the Road Ahead

Nolan’s trophy case? Stacked. Eight-time All-Star (2016-2019, 2021-2023), five Silver Sluggers (2015-2018, 2022), six Platinum Gloves (best overall defender), and MVP finishes as high as third (2018, 2022). He led the NL in HRs three times, RBIs twice, and doubles once. Milestones? 100th homer at 24 (youngest Rockie ever), 300th in 2023, and 1,500th hit in St. Louis.

Highlights reel: That 2015 season with 89 extra-base hits—most ever for a third baseman. The 2018 cycle at Coors. Four straight first-inning homers with the Cards in 2022 (MLB record). Internationally, he balled out for Team USA in the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics.

Postseason? Just eight games so far (.152 BA, one HR), but Nolan’s hungry. At 34, with two years left on his deal ($32M/year), he’s eyeing a ring. Age catches up, sure—2025’s .237 dip shows it—but Nolan’s work ethic screams “not done yet.” Will he chase 400 homers? Mentor the next gen? Only time tells.

Wrapping It Up: Why Nolan Arenado Career Stats Matters

Nolan Arenado Career Stats isn’t just numbers—he’s the player who makes you believe in magic on a 90-foot diamond. From El Toro dreams to Busch Stadium battles, he’s defined a generation at third base. His stats tell a story of power (353 HRs), precision (.282 BA), and protection (10 Gold Gloves). In a game of highs and lows, Nolan’s steady swing and sure glove remind us: Greatness is earned, one play at a time.