Nolan Arenado Hits 2,000 Career Milestone in Diamondbacks Loss to Athletics

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado recorded his 2,000th career hit with a fifth-inning double against Oakland left-hander Jeffrey Springs.

PHOENIX -- Nolan Arenado secured his 2,000th career hit on Monday night at Chase Field, connecting for a double down the left-field line during the fifth inning of a 5-2 Arizona Diamondbacks loss to the Oakland Athletics. The 35-year-old third baseman reached the milestone by driving a fastball from left-hander Jeffrey Springs. Despite the defeat, the home crowd provided a lengthy standing ovation for the veteran infielder, who entered the contest batting .244 with 13 home runs and a .739 OPS for the season.

With this achievement, Arenado becomes the sixth active player in Major League Baseball to reach the 2,000-hit plateau. He joins a current list that includes Freddie Freeman, Jose Altuve, Andrew McCutchen, Paul Goldschmidt, and Manny Machado. The hit further solidifies a career resume that boasts a .280 batting average, 366 home runs, and 1,228 RBIs across his tenure with the Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Arizona.

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Arenado is now one of only six players in major league history to record at least 2,000 hits, 350 home runs, and 10 Gold Glove Awards. The other five players to accomplish this feat—Ken Griffey Jr., Willie Mays, Mike Schmidt, Johnny Bench, and Al Kaline—are all members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The Diamondbacks infielder expressed particular pride in joining a group that includes Schmidt, whom he regards as the greatest third baseman in the history of the sport.

Reflecting on the milestone, Arenado noted that Schmidt was among the first legends to offer him public praise, stating he loved the way the younger third baseman played the game. This recognition from a childhood idol made the statistical achievement more gratifying for the eight-time All-Star. Manager Torey Lovullo described the opportunity to manage the future Hall of Famer as a total honor, noting that Arenado's presence improves the ballclub daily.

Career Path to Arizona

Now in his first year with the Diamondbacks, Arenado arrived in Phoenix following an injury-plagued 2025 campaign with the St. Louis Cardinals. His professional journey began with eight seasons in Colorado before he spent five years in St. Louis. The 10-time Gold Glove winner credited his longevity and health for reaching the 2,000-hit mark, admitting that while he usually avoids discussing personal accolades, this specific accomplishment felt significant.

The double against Springs served as a rare highlight in a game where the Diamondbacks offense was otherwise limited to two runs. Arenado remains one of the most decorated defensive players of his generation, and his offensive production continues to climb the historical leaderboards. As he continues his debut season in Arizona, he remains focused on maintaining the health required to build upon his 366 career home runs and 1,228 runs batted in.